ISSN:
1573-6830
Keywords:
membrane receptor
;
fluidity
;
acetylcholine
;
decenoic acid
;
valeric acid
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary 1. We have examined the effects of short-chain fatty acids on acetylcholine (ACh)-induced transmembrane currents using internally dialized neurons ofHelix. 2. Decenoic acid, which increased the fluidity of excitable membranes, caused dramatic changes in the voltage sensitivity of ACh currents consisting of an ACh-induced increase in membrane permeability for K+ and Na+ ions and a shift of theE rev of these ACh responses to more positive potentials. Valeric acid, which did not change the membrane fluidity, had no effect on this type of ACh response. 3. Changes of theE Na andE Cl had no effect on the size of the decenoic acid-induced shift of theE rev. But the influence of decenoic acid on the voltage sensitivity of ACh-induced currents almost disappeared after the change of theE K by the reduction of the internal K concentration. 4. Decenoic acid had no effect on ACh responses in which K+ ions were not involved in the generation of ACh-induced currents. 5. The results suggest that decenoic acid-induced changes in membrane fluidity modulate cholinoreceptive properties of the neuronal membrane by the inhibition of the K+ carrier involved in the generation of ACh responses.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00711068
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