Intracellular study of rat entopeduncular nucleus neurons in an in vitro slice preparation: electrical membrane properties.

Electrical properties of rat entopeduncular nucleus (EP) neurons were studied in vitro using slice preparations. Of 108 EP neurons recorded, 104 were classified into two types based on their membrane properties. Type I neurons (n = 86) possessed: (1) a strong, time-dependent anomalous rectification that was sensitive to Cs+; (2) a weak spike adaptation; and (3) a strong rebound excitation with a low threshold Ca-spike and fast spikes. Many Type I neurons displayed spontaneous repetitive firing. Some of them generated spontaneous Ca-dependent plateau potentials with fast spikes upon application of tetraethylammonium bromide. Type II neurons (n = 18) had: (1) no apparent rectification; (2) a strong spike adaptation; and (3) a ramp-shaped repolarization, similar to the A-current, at the offset of a hyperpolarizing pulse. Features common to both types included: (1) a similar range of the input resistance; (2) capability of generating high threshold Ca-spikes; and (3) generation of postactive hyperpolarizations (i.e. Ca-activated K-conductance). The great majority (Type I) of rat EP neurons share similar electrical properties. A minority of neurons (Type II) behave differently from Type I neurons and share similar properties among themselves.