Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Cav2.1 , Cav2.2

Title: Gamma-band deficiency and abnormal thalamocortical activity in P/Q-type channel mutant mice.

Authors: Rodolfo R Llinás, Soonwook Choi, Francisco J Urbano, Hee-Sup Shin

Journal, date & volume: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2007 Nov 6 , 104, 17819-24

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17968008

Abstract
Thalamocortical in vivo and in vitro function was studied in mice lacking P/Q-type calcium channels (Cav2.1), in which N-type calcium channels (Cav2.2) supported central synaptic transmission. Unexpectedly, in vitro patch recordings from thalamic neurons demonstrated no gamma-band subthreshold oscillation, and voltage-sensitive dye imaging demonstrated an absence of cortical gamma-band-dependent columnar activation involving cortical inhibitory interneuron activity. In vivo electroencephalogram recordings showed persistent absence status and a dramatic reduction of gamma-band activity. Pharmacological block of T-type calcium channels (Cav3), although not noticeably affecting normal control animals, left the knockout mice in a coma-like state. Hence, although N-type calcium channels can rescue P/Q-dependent synaptic transmission, P/Q calcium channels are essential in the generation of gamma-band activity and resultant cognitive function.