Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Voltage-Gated Human K 11.1 Potassium Channels Interact through a Novel Mechanism.

Membrane-nanoparticle interactions are important in determining the effects of manufactured nanomaterials on cell physiology and pathology. Here, silica, titanium, zinc, and magnesium oxide nanoparticles are screened against human hERG (K 11.1) voltage-gated potassium channels under a whole-cell voltage clamp.

Synaptic plasticity in cephalopods; more than just learning and memory?

The outstanding behavioural capacity of cephalopods is underpinned by a highly sophisticated nervous system anatomy and neural mechanisms that often differ significantly from similarly complex systems in vertebrates and insects. Cephalopods exhibit considerable behavioural flexibility and adaptability, and it might be expected that this should be supported by evident cellular and synaptic plasticity. Here, we review what little is known of the cellular mechanisms that underlie plasticity in cephalopods, particularly from the point of view of synaptic function.

Training old rats selectively modulates synaptosomal protein synthesis.

We have previously shown that the local synthesis of two synaptic proteins of 66.5-kDa and 87.6-kDa is selectively enhanced in male adult rats trained for a two-way active avoidance task.

Ion channels in key marine invertebrates; their diversity and potential for applications in biotechnology.

Of the intra-membrane proteins, the class that comprises voltage and ligand-gated ion channels represents the major substrate whereby signals pass between and within cells in all organisms. It has been presumed that vertebrate and particularly mammalian ion channels represent the apex of evolutionary complexity and diversity and much effort has been focused on understanding their function. However, the recent availability of cheap high throughput genome sequencing has massively broadened and deepened the quality of information across phylogeny and is radically changing this view.

A glycine receptor is involved in the organization of swimming movements in an invertebrate chordate.

Background: Rhythmic motor patterns for locomotion in vertebrates are generated in spinal cord neural networks known as spinal Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). A key element in pattern generation is the role of glycinergic synaptic transmission by interneurons that cross the cord midline and inhibit contralaterally-located excitatory neurons. The glycinergic inhibitory drive permits alternating and precisely timed motor output during locomotion such as walking or swimming.

Sleep and its possible role in learning: a phylogenetic view.

A fascinating but still partly unsolved scientific question is to understand the function/s of sleep. Many hypotheses have been proposed, and in this review I focus on the idea that sleep has a role in supporting brain plasticity, learning and memory. Although the majority of sleep research is concentrated on vertebrates, especially humans and mammals, sleep-like behaviour is also evident in some invertebrates.

Pre- and postsynaptic excitation and inhibition at octopus optic lobe photoreceptor terminals; implications for the function of the 'presynaptic bags'.

Synaptic transmission was examined in the plexiform zone of Octopus vulgaris optic lobes using field-potential recording from optic lobe slices. Stimulation of the optic nerve produced pre- and postsynaptic field potentials. Transmission was abolished in calcium-free seawater, L- glutamate or the AMPA/Kainate receptor blocker CNQX (EC(50), 40 microm), leaving an intact presynaptic field potential.

Primary cultures of nervous system cells from the larva of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis.

The ascidian Ciona intestinalis is a useful model for the study of nervous system development and function. The larva of this animal represents a 'primitive' vertebrate form that contains only about 100 neurons in the CNS. Although embryos can be easily subjected to genetic manipulation, the nervous system cells are not easily accessible for neurophysiological study at the larval stage.

Brain and behavioural evidence for rest-activity cycles in Octopus vulgaris.

Octopus vulgaris maintained under a 12/12h light/dark cycle exhibit a pronounced nocturnal activity pattern. Animals deprived of rest during the light period show a marked 'rebound' in activity in the following 24h. 'Active' octopuses attack faster than 'quiet' animals and brain activity recorded electrically intensifies during 'quiet' behaviour.

Alteration and recovery of appetitive behaviour following nerve section in the starfish Asterias rubens.

The starfish Asterias rubens is an invertebrate deuterostome whose nervous system shows remarkable regenerative properties. To understand when full functionality of a damaged part of the nervous system recovers, and to follow nerve regeneration in detail, we carried out behavioural experiments with 29 starfishes that had the nerve in one of the arms sectioned in a mid-arm position. Loss and recovery of normal behaviour was followed by video analysis of animal performance in an appetitive behavioural test.

Waking EEG power spectra in the rat: correlations with training performance.

Adult rats chronically implanted with supradural electrodes were telemetrically EEG recorded during a baseline session, a training session for a two-way active avoidance task, and a retention session. Rats were assigned to a fast learning (FL), slow learning (SL) and non learning (NL) group if they achieved criterion during the training session, the retention session, or in neither session. High-resolution EEG analyses indicated that intergroup differences were present in the low frequency range of waking baseline power spectra.