[Dynamic changes in the response of molluscan neurons to cyclic AMP with repeated injections].

Microiontophoretic injection of cAMP (but not of non-cyclic AMP) into Helix snail neurons induces rapid reversible membrane depolarization. The reversa potential of the cAMP response varies between +10 and -30 mV in different cells. The amplitude of the responses gradually increases (15 experiments), decreases (4 experiments) or remains unchanged (40 experiments) when the interval between the injections is less than 5 minutes. The identified neurons of the different preparations exhibit different types of dynamic changes in the amplitude of the responses to repeated cAMP injections. The possible role of the retaining current in the origin of the potentiation of cAMP responses was investigated. Potentiation of cAMP responses was preserved after the retaining current was switched off only in cases with no membrane depolarization due to spontaneous leakage of the substance from the microelectrode. It is suggested that potentiation or depression of cell responses to repeated cAMP injections is caused by dynamic changes in the cell cAMP system.