Alteration of calcium conductances and outward current by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in neurons of Limax maximus.

Membrane responses to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) injections have been studied by means of voltage clamp, Ca-indicator dye, and ion substitution techniques in identified neurons from the abdominal ganglion of Limax maximus. The ventral abdominal giant cell (AGC) displayed a response consisting of a decrease in outward current usually accompanied by a smaller enhancement of voltage-gated Ca2+ influx. Both responses were eliminated by external Cd2+ or Mn2+ and required membrane voltages more positive than -40 mV for expression. The enhanced influx persisted in Ba2+-substituted saline, while the decrease in outward current was blocked. A group of dorsal neurons (RD1-3, LD1) showed a mixed Na-Ca influx induced by cAMP that could be activated over a wide range of membrane potentials (less than -100 to greater than -20 mV). This flux caused a measurable increase in internal Ca2+. The influx was insensitive to Cd2+ and Mn2+ but was reduced by prolonged exposure to Co2+. The relative magnitude of the Na-Ca flux ratio showed considerable variation between specimens. In immature animals the Ca component was absent. The results demonstrated that elevation of intracellular cAMP can cause cell-specific changes of membrane conductance within closely associated neurons.