Delayed rectifier potassium currents and Kv2.1 mRNA increase in hippocampal neurons of scopolamine-induced memory-deficient rats.

To explore the ionic mechanisms of memory deficits induced by cholinergic lesion, whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques in combination with single-cell RT-PCR were used to characterize delayed rectifier potassium currents (IK) in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment rats. Scopolamine could induce deficits in spatial memory of rats. The peak amplitude and current density of IK measured in hippocampal pyramidal neurons were increased from 1.

[Effects of donepezil on the delayed rectifier-like potassium current in pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus and neocortex].

Aim: To investigat the effects of donepezil on delayed rectifier-like potassium currents (IK) in rat hippocampus and neocortex.

Methods: Whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp techniques were used to characterize IK in acutely isolated rat hippocampal and neocortical pyramidal neurons.

Results: The slowly inactivating outward currents (IK) were recorded in all cells under investigation.