Kinetics of ion channel modulation by cAMP in rat hippocampal neurones

Ion channel regulation by cyclic AMP and protein kinase A is a major effector mechanism for monoamine transmitters and neuromodulators in the CNS. Surprisingly, there is little information about the speed and kinetic limits of cAMP-PKA-dependent excitability changes in the brain. To explore these questions, we used flash photolysis of caged-cAMP (DMNB-cAMP) to provide high temporal resolution. The resultant free cAMP concentration was calculated from separate experiments in which this technique was used, in excised patches, to activate cAMP-sensitive cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In hippocampal pyramidal neurones we studied the modulation of a potassium current (slow AHP current, I(sAHP)) known to be targeted by multiple transmitter systems that use cAMP-PKA. Rapid cAMP elevation by flash photolyis of 200 mu M DMNB-cAMP completely inhibited the K(+) current. The estimated yield (1.3-3%) suggests that photolysis of 200 mu M caged precursor is sufficient for full PKA activation. By contrast, extended gradual photolysis of 200 mu M DMNB-cAMP caused stable but only partial inhibition. The kinetics of rapid cAMP inhibition of the K(+) conductance (time constant 1.5-2 s) were mirrored by changes in firing patterns commencing within 500 ms of rapid cAMP elevation. Maximal increases in firing were short-lasting (< 60 s) and gave way to moderately enhanced levels of spiking. The results demonstrate how the fidelity of phasic monoamine signalling can be preserved by the cAMP-PKA pathway.