Modulation of calcium currents and membrane properties by substance P in the lamprey spinal cord

Substance P is endogenously released within the locomotor network of the adult lamprey, accelerates the burst frequency of fictive locomotion, and reduces the reciprocal inhibition. Previous studies have shown that dopamine, serotonin, and GABA regulate calcium channels, which control neurotransmitter release, action potential duration, and slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP). Here we examine the effect of substance P on calcium channels in motoneurons and commissural interneurons using whole cell patch clamp in the lamprey spinal cord. This study analyzed the effects of substance P on calcium currents activated in voltage clamp. We examined the calcium-dependent sAHP in current clamp, to determine the involvement of three calcium channel subtypes modulated by substance P. The effects of substance P on membrane potential and during N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) induced oscillations were also analyzed. Depolarizing voltage steps induced inward calcium currents. Substance P reduced the currents carried by ...