Voltage clamp analysis of acetylcholine receptor desensitization in isolated mollusc neurones.

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Abstract
Desensitization produced by acetylcholine (ACh) in completely isolated L. stagnalis neurons with chloride-selective membrane channels was studied using a voltage-clamp technique. A difference in the time course of the neuron responses to ACh, depending on whether the measured parameter was voltage or current, was observed and explained on the basis of an equivalent electric scheme of the neuron soma membrane. Desensitization onset does depend on membrane potential in the range of -30 to -120 mV. Variation of external Ca2+, Na+ and Cl- concentrations over a wide range had little influence on the onset of desensitization and recovery from it. An obvious difference exists between features of desensitization in mollusk neuron and frog muscle end-plate ACh receptors.