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The activity of hypothalamic neurons that release the neuropeptides orexin-A and orexin-B is essential for normal wakefulness. Orexin neurons fire spontaneously and are hyperpolarized and inhibited by physiological neuromodulators, but the intrinsic determinants of their electrical activity are poorly understood. We show that mouse orexin neurons coexpress orexin-A and orexin-B, and possess a low-voltage-activated A-type K(+) current (A-current) likely to be composed of Kv4.3 subunits. The A-current enhances the inhibitory influence of hyperpolarizing currents via two mechanisms: by delaying the resumption of spiking after hyperpolarization and by increasing the slope of the relation between the firing frequency and injected current. These results identify an important determinant of the firing dynamics of orexin neurons, and support the idea that the A-current can control neuronal gain.

Original publication

DOI

10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03815.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Neurosci

Publication Date

12/2004

Volume

20

Pages

3281 - 3285

Keywords

4-Aminopyridine, Action Potentials, Animals, Electric Stimulation, Hypothalamus, Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Neuropeptides, Orexins, Potassium Channels