Neurons possess the ability to localize channels to specific regions of the cell. However to our knowledge a particular channel type has never been examined in three compartments of the same neuron (dendrite, soma, and nerve terminal). The hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system of the rat provides the unique opportunity to examine these three regions because of their large size and ease of compartment accessibility. Utilizing this system our lab has previously found that BK channels in dissociated cell bodies are different from those found in dissociated nerve terminals. They display different gating kinetics, unitary conductances, as well as pharmacological sensitivities. Interestingly, BK channels in the terminal were found to be sensitive to ethanol while those located in the soma were insensitive to ethanol. This suggests that we can no longer identify channels in a particular cell type as being either ‘insensitive’ or ‘sensitive’ to ethanol but may have to be more regionally specific. Using the inside-out and outside-out patch clamp configuration we are characterizing BK channels located on the dendrites of hypothalamic magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus. We are also examining whether these channels are sensitive to ethanol.
Education:
Ph.D in Neuroscience in progress. UMass Medical School.
B.S. Microbiology and Cell Science. University of Florida. 2000
