Depolarization, voltage dependence

All these postsynaptic events last only for a few milliseconds synaptic transmission through LGICs is fast. When the postsynaptic cell membrane is sufficiently depolarized, voltage-dependent Na+ channels open and an action potential is generated. 

CO2/H+stimulus Cellular K+current suppression — Cell depolarization Voltage-dependent Ca- gale opens Ca- influx andstore-operated Ca +release [Ca +] rise Neurotransmission Instantaneous chemosensory discharge (acute effects like hypoxia). 

After each depolarization, voltage-dependent sodium channels adopt an inactive state and remain refractory to reopening for a period of time. While those channels are unable to open, rapid repetitive firing is diminished, and spread of electrical seizure activity to adjacent brain regions is suppressed (14). Stabilization and prolongation of this inactive state appears to be the primary mechanism of action of phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine and may be instrumental in the antiseizure actions of phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, valproate, topiramate, and zonisamide (Fig. 20.2). 

Nay 1.8 is selectively expressed in primary afferent nociceptors, where it appears to be the primary contributor to the action potential upstroke (Akopian et al. 1999). Nayl.8 carries a TTX-resistant (TTX-R) sodium current that is considerably different from those carried by TTX-sensitive channels. Nayl.8 currents have a more depolarized voltage dependence of activation and of fast inactivation (Akopian et al. 1999). Thus, Nay 1.8 is one of the few Nays that could contribute to continuous action potential discharge during periods of sustained depolarization (Renganathan etal. 2001). 

Voltage-dependent sodium channels are a family of membrane proteins that mediate rapid Na+ influx, in response to membrane depolarization to generate action potentials in excitable cells. 

Kv-channels are closed in the resting state. Upon depolarization of the cellular membrane potential, closed Kv-channels undergo a series of voltage-dependent activating steps until they reach an activated state from which they can open and close in a voltage-independent manner. 

The Ca channels that have been the most extensively studied are the voltage-dependent Ca channels. These channels are usually found in plasma or transverse tubule membranes. Voltage-dependent Ca channels open in response to an appropriate membrane depolarization. Several different types of voltage-dependent Ca channels have been described and are characterized by differences in their activation and inactivation sensitivities to voltage, their kinetic properties, and their sensitivities to activation or inhibition by a variety of pharmacological agents. 

Several different changes in mitochondria occur during apoptosis. These include a change in membrane potential (usually depolarization), increased production of reactive oxygen species, potassium channel activation, calcium ion uptake, increased membrane permeability and release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) [25]. Increased permeability of the mitochondrial membranes is a pivotal event in apoptosis and appears to result from the formation of pores in the membrane the proteins that form such permeability transition pores (PTP) may include a voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), the adenine nucleotide translocator, cyclophilin D, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, hexokinase and... 

Calcium couples muscle membrane excitation to filament contraction. Important work has focused on the proteins present in the T-tubule/SR junction. One protein, an integral component of the T-tubular membrane, is a form of L-type, dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-dependent calcium channel. Another, the ryanodine receptor (RyR), is a large protein associated with the SR membrane in the triad that may couple the conformational changes in the Ca2+ channel protein induced by T-tubular depolarization to the Ca2+ release from the SR (Fig. 43-6). 

The first molecule, the Ca2+ channel, is required for coupling at the triad. Skeletal muscle contains higher concentrations of this L-type Ca2+ channel that can be accounted for on the basis of measured voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx because much of the Ca2+ channel protein in the T-tubular membrane does not actively gate calcium ion movement but, rather, acts as a voltage transducer that links depolarization of the T-tubular membrane to Ca2+ release through a receptor protein in the SR membrane. The ryanodine receptor mediates sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. The bar-like structures that connect the terminal elements of the SR with the T-tubular membrane in the triad are formed by a large protein that is the principal pathway for Ca2+ release from the SR. This protein, which binds the... 

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