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Stretch Activated Channels in Proprioceptive Organs of Crab and Crayfish Are Sensitive to Gadolinium but not Amiloride, Ruthenium Red or Low pH
Impulse
  • Viresh Dayaram, University of Kentucky
  • Cole A. Malloy, University of Kentucky
  • Sarah Martha, University of Kentucky
  • Brenda Alvarez, University of Kentucky
  • Ikenna Chukwudolue, University of Kentucky
  • Nadera Dabbain, University of Kentucky
  • Dlovan D.mahmood, University of Kentucky
  • Slavina Goleva, University of Kentucky
  • Tori Hickey, University of Kentucky
  • Angel Ho, University of Kentucky
  • Molly King, University of Kentucky
  • Paige Kington, University of Kentucky
  • Matthew Mattingly, University of Kentucky
  • Samuel Potter, University of Kentucky
  • Landon Simpson, University of Kentucky
  • Amanda Spence, University of Kentucky
  • Henry Uradu, University of Kentucky
  • Jacob Van Doorn, University of Kentucky
  • Robin L Cooper, University of Kentucky
Abstract

The type of stretch activated receptors (SARs) in the chordotonal organs in the crab walking leg and of the muscle receptor organ (MRO) in the crayfish abdomen have not yet been classified as to their molecular or pharmacological profile. The purpose of this study is to examine the pharmacological profile of SARs in the proprioceptive neurons in the crab and crayfish models. Since many SARs share the pharmacological profile of displaying low pH or being proton sensitive (i.e. being more active) or blocked by the diuretic amiloride or ruthenium red as well as being blocked by the broad stretch activated channel blocker gadolinium (Gd3+), we used these agents to screen the receptors. Various displacement rates as well as static positions that activate the stretch activated receptors were used in examining their pharmacological profiles. Hour-long exposure to low pH decreased neural activity of the chordotonal organ of the crab more so than to amiloride or ruthenium red. The crayfish MRO did not show pH sensitivity or sensitivity to amiloride or ruthenium red. Gd3+ rapidly blocked neural activity in both the crab and crayfish. It appears these stretch activated receptors may not have a classification that is suited to the standard pharmacological profiles. The molecular makeup of the channels also awaits characterization. This could reveal a novel SAR subtype. Our neurophysiology course1 took this project on as a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to address an authentic research question.

Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Notes/Citation Information

Published in Impulse, v. 2017, p. 1-17.

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Funding Information

This work was funded by student laboratory fees for a course taught in Department of Biology, University of Kentucky and personal funds (RLC).

Citation Information
Viresh Dayaram, Cole A. Malloy, Sarah Martha, Brenda Alvarez, et al.. "Stretch Activated Channels in Proprioceptive Organs of Crab and Crayfish Are Sensitive to Gadolinium but not Amiloride, Ruthenium Red or Low pH" Impulse Vol. 2017 (2017) p. 1 - 17
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robin_cooper/120/