Estimation of persistent sodium-current density in rat hippocampal mossy fibre boutons: Correction of space-clamp errors.

We used whole-cell patch clamp to estimate the stationary voltage dependence of persistent sodium-current density (i) in rat hippocampal mossy fibre boutons. Cox's method for correcting space-clamp errors was extended to the case of an isopotential compartment with attached neurites. The method was applied to voltage-ramp experiments, in which i is assumed to gate instantaneously. The raw estimates of i led to predicted clamp currents that were at variance with observation, hence an algorithm was devised to improve these estimates. Optionally, the method also allows an estimate of the membrane specific capacitance, although values of the axial resistivity and seal resistance must be provided. Assuming that membrane specific capacitance and axial resistivity were constant, we conclude that seal resistance continued to fall after adding TTX to the bath. This might have been attributable to a further deterioration of the seal after baseline rather than an unlikely effect of TTX. There was an increase in the membrane specific resistance in TTX. The reason for this is unknown, but it meant that i could not be determined by simple subtraction. Attempts to account for i with a Hodgkin-Huxley model of the transient sodium conductance met with mixed results. One thing to emerge was the importance of voltage shifts. Also, a large variability in previously reported values of transient sodium conductance in mossy fibre boutons made comparisons with our results difficult. Various other possible sources of error are discussed. Simulations suggest a role for i in modulating the axonal attenuation of EPSPs. KEY POINTS: We used whole-cell patch clamp to estimate the stationary voltage dependence of persistent sodium-current density (i) in rat hippocampal mossy fibre boutons, using a KCl-based internal (pipette) solution and correcting for the liquid junction potential (2 mV). Space-clamp errors and deterioration of the patch-clamp seal during the experiment were corrected for by compartmental modelling. Attempts to account for i in terms of the transient sodium conductance met with mixed results. One possibility is that the transient sodium conductance is higher in mossy fibre boutons than in the axon shaft. The analysis illustrates the need to account for various voltage shifts (Donnan potentials, liquid junction potentials and, possibly, other voltage shifts). Simulations suggest a role for i in modulating the axonal attenuation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials, hence analog signalling by dentate granule cells.