Two outward potassium current types are expressed during the neural differentiation of neural stem cells

The electrophysiological properties of potassium ion channels are regarded as a basic index for determining the functional differentiation of neural stem cells. In this study, neural stem cells from the hippocampus of newborn rats were induced to differentiate with neurotrophic growth factor, and the electrophysiological properties of the voltage-gated potassium ion channels were observed. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the rapidly proliferating neural stem cells formed spheres in vitro that expressed high levels of nestin. The differentiated neurons were shown to express neuron-specific enolase. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the neural stem cells were actively dividing and the percentage of cells in the S ＋ G2/M phase was high. However, the ratio of cells in the S ＋ G2/M phase decreased obviously as differentiation proceeded. Whole-cell patch-clamp re- cordings revealed apparent changes in potassium ion currents as the neurons differentiated. The potassium ion currents consisted of one transient outward potassium ion current and one delayed rectifier potassium ion current, which were blocked by 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium, respectively. The experimental findings indicate that neural stem cells from newborn rat hippo- campus could be cultured and induced to differentiate into functional neurons under defined condi- tions in vitro. The differentiated neurons expressed two types of outward potassium ion cur＇ents similar to those of mature neurons in vivo.

Sexual dimorphism of the electrophysiological properties of the projection neurons in the robust nucleus of the arcopallium in adult zebra finches

Objective To observe the sexual differences in electrophysiological properties of neurons in the robust nucleus of the arcopallium （RA） in adult zebra finches, and to provide the direct electrophysiological evidence for the sexual dimorphism of birdsong. Methods Whole-cell recording was used to record the spontaneous action potential firing rates from RA projection neurons in acute brain slices. Results The projection neurons of RA in male birds fired spontaneously at 10 Hz or above, while in female birds, the frequency was significantly lower, and even no firings could be detected. Conclusion There is a sexual difference in electrophysiological properties of projection neurons in RA, which may result from the difference in the levels of steroid hormones in birds.

Sex Differences in Electrophysiological Properties of Mouse Medial Preoptic Area Neurons Revealed by In Vitro Whole-cell Recordings

Despite extensive characterization of sex differences in the medial preoptic area(mPOA)of the hypothalamus,we know surprisingly little about whether or how male and female mPOA neurons differ electrophysiologically,especially in terms of neuronal firing and behavioral pattern generation.In this study,by performing whole-cell patch clamp recordings of the mPOA,we investigated the influences of sex,cell type,and gonadal hormones on the electrophysiological properties of mPOA neurons.Notably,we uncovered significant sex differences in input resistance(male>female)and in the percentage of neurons that displayed post-inhibitory rebound(male>female).Furthermore,we found that the current mediated by the T-type Ca^(2+)channel(IT),which is known to underlie post-inhibitory rebound,was indeed larger in male mPOA neurons.Thus,we have identified salient electrophysiological properties of mPOA neurons,namely IT and post-inhibitory rebound,that are male-biased and likely contribute to the sexually dimorphic display of behaviors.