Properties of I(A) in a neuron of the dorsal raphe nucleus.

Voltage clamp data were analyzed in order to characterize the properties of the fast potassium transient current I(A) for a presumed serotonergic neuron of the rat dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). We obtain maximal conductance, time constants of activation and inactivation, and the steady state activation and inactivation functions m(∞) and h(∞), as Boltzmann curves, defined by half-activation potentials and slope factors. I(A) is estimated as g¯(V-V(rev))m(4)h, with g¯=20.5nS. For activation, the half-activation potential is V(a)=-52.5mV with slope factor k(a)=16.5mV, whereas for inactivation the corresponding quantities are -91.5mV and -9.3mV. We discuss the results in terms of the corresponding properties of I(A) in other cell types and their possible relevance to pacemaking activity in cells of the DRN. Methods of identification of serotonergic DRN neurons and the nature of the K(v) channels underlying the A-type current are also discussed.