Voltage gated potassium currents in the Mauthner and MiD2cm cells of larval zebrafish

• Author / Creator

  Brewster, Daniel L

• The escape response in zebrafish is mediated in part by the Mauthner cell
  and its two homologues, MiD2cm and MiD3cm. In adult fish, the Mauthner cell
  fires a single action potential when activated while the homologues fire multiple action potentials. Their distinct firing properties are partially attributed to the differential expression of voltage gated potassium (Kv) channels. I am interested in determining the Kv channels associated with the Mauthner and MiD2cm cells, and if they contain Kv1.1. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization confirmed the expression of Kv1.1 in the Mauthner and MiD2cm cells at 48 hours post fertilization. Electrophysiology showed these cells to contain A-type and
  delayed rectifier currents but with different current densities. Preliminary data has
  shown these cells have the same firing behavior as in adults but with distinct
  action potential waveforms. The presence of Kv1.1 and the distinct current properties are suspected of regulating the neuronal excitability.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Zebrafish
  • Potassium
  • Mauthner

• Graduation date

  Spring 2012

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R31C1TQ2N

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.