Calcium-dependent action potentials in guinea-pig olfactory cortex neurones

Ca2+-dependent action potentials were recorded in guinea pig olfactory neurones in vitro (23°–25°C). In most cells (in the presence of tetrodotoxin: TTX) the current-voltage relationship displayed ‘anomalous’ rectification (apparent high slope resistance) at potentials ∼20 mV depolarized to the resting membrane potential (∼−80 mV) and strong outward rectification at more positive potentials. Intracellular Cs+-loading blocked outward rectification and increased action potential duration. Such spikes were TTX-insensitive and were further prolonged by external addition of tetraethylammonium (TEA) or Ba2+. Spikes recorded from Cs+-loaded, TTX/TEA-treated neurones displayed a prolonged plateau and an after-depolarization. They persisted when Ba2+ or Sr2+ were substituted for external Ca2+, but not when Mg2+ was the sole extracellular divalent cation. The spikes were blocked in the presence of Cd2+ but persisted when 82% of the extracellular Na+ was substituted by choline. A TTX-insensitive, slowly inactivating inward current at depolarized potentials is believed to account for the subthreshold ‘anomalous’ rectification and prolonged spike plateau.