Neurons and Behavior:

From Ion Channel to Action

Potential

Christian Kreipke, PhD

ckreipke@med.wayne.edu
Outline
 Nerve Cells and Behavior
 Cytology and Neurons
 Synthesis and Trafficking of Neuronal Protein
 Ion Channels
 Membrane Potential
 Local Signaling: Passive Electrical Properties
 Action Potential
Nerve Cells and Behavior

Part I
Two Major types of Cells
 Glial Cells

 Nerve Cells
Glial Cells (support)
 Nerve Cell
 There are
Several
Classifications
Of Neurons
Divergence and Convergence is key
organizational feature
Inhibitory interneurons produce either
feedforward or feedback inhibition
Common features to all Neurons
Membrane potential

Resting
Potential
Sensory neurons transform physical
stimuli into electrical activity
Reflex Action
Cytology of Neurons

Part II
Basic Organization
Example: Sensory  Motor
Spinal Motor Neurons

Glia

Dendrites
Axons of spinal motor neurons have branches that make
synaptic contact with several interneurons
Pyramidal Neurons
Axons: Insulated by a myelin sheath
Synthesis and Trafficking
of Neuronal Protein

Part III
Free and membrane bound
polysomes translate mRNAs
that encode proteins with a
variety of destinations
Secretory v. transmembrane proteins
Ion Channels

Part IV
The ionic
permeability
properties of a
membrane are
determined by
the interactions of
ions with water,
the membrane
lipid bilayer, and
ion channels
Characteristics of Current in a single
ion channel
Models for the opening and closing of
ion channels
Several types of Stimuli control the
opening and closing of ion channels
Closing a voltage-gated channel
Ligand binding and receptor kinetics
Membrane Potential

Part V
Membran Potential
 Distribution of Major Ions Across a
Neuronal Membrane
ION [cytoplasm] [extracellular fluid] Equilibrium potential

K+ 400 20 -75

NA+ 50 440 +55

Cl- 52 560 -60

Organic ions 385

K+ flux across the membrane is determined by
[K+] and electrical potential
Resting Potential is determined by the relative proportion of open
ion channels with the value of their equilibrium potential
Passive Electrical
Properties of a Neuron

Part VI
Passive conduction of depolarization contributes to
propagating action potentials
Action potentials are regenerated at
Nodes of Ranvier
Propagated Signaling:
The Action Potential

Part VII
Voltage-gated Na+ channels
Gating Currents
Gating is dependent on redistribution
of charge in a very discreet region