抄録
The volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) chloride channel is ubiquitously expressed and involved in cell volume regulation after osmotic swelling in various cell types. In neuronal cells, we previously showed that primary cultured hippocampal or cortical neurons express functional VSOR channels. Here, by using a whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we examined whether or not hippocampal and cortical pyramidal neurons express the VSOR channel in a more physiological preparation, that is, in the slice preparation. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings revealed that chloride currents were gradually activated upon cell swelling induced by application of hypotonic solution. This current was inhibited by chloride channel blockers, IAA-94, NPPB and DIDS, or hypertonic solution, and showed outward rectification and inactivation kinetics at large positive potentials. These electrophysiological and pharmacological properties are consistent with those of the VSOR channel in primary cultured neurons. It is concluded that the VSOR channel is functionally expressed in hippocampal and cortical pyramidal neurons in the slice preparation. There is a possibility that the neuronal activities are affected by its activation. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S230]
