Ca2 -activated K channels in rat otic ganglion cells: Role of Ca2 entry via Ca2 channels and nicotinic receptors

Abstract

1. Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the rat otic ganglion in vitro in order to investigate their morphological, physiological and synaptic properties. We took advantage of the simple structure of these cells to test for a possible role of calcium influx via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors during synaptic transmission. 2. Cells filled with biocytin comprised a homogeneous population with ovoid somata and sparse dendritic trees. Neurones had resting membrane potentials of -53 ± 0.7 mV (n = 69), input resistances of 112 ± 7 MΩ, and membrane time constants of 14 ± 0.9 ms (n = 60). Upon depolarization, all cells fired overshooting action potentials which were followed by an a..