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Pip2 Modulation Of Afterhyperpolarizations In Magnocellular Supraoptic Neurons, Matthew Karl Kirchner

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) are large oxytocin (OT)- and vasopressin (VP)-releasing neurons that secrete these hormones into the circulatory system in response to physiological stimuli. These cells exhibit unique phasic and burst firing patterns to release these peptides into the circulatory system where they primarily control milk ejection and parturition (OT) as well as salt-water balance and vasoconstriction (VP). This firing is underlain by intrinsic ionic mechanisms that shape the duration and frequency of these bursts. One of these mechanisms is the Ca2+-dependent afterhyperpolarization (AHP), which activates during bursts and causes spike frequency adaptation. This afterhyperpolarization has three distinct conductances: …