Abstract
Isolated olfactory receptor neurons from the squid Lolliguncula brevis respond to betaine, a repellent odorant, with hyperpolarizing receptor potentials. Using perforated-patch techniques, we determined that the hyperpolarizing conductance was selective for Cl− and could be reversibly blocked by the Cl− channel blockers 4-acetamido-4′-isothio-cyanatistilbene-2,2′disulfonic acid and niflumic acid. Gramicidin-patch recordings revealed that [Cl−]i in squid olfactory receptor neurons is normally very low compared to vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons, and that activating a Cl− conductance would hyperpolarize the cell in vivo. The lack of dependence on internal or external K+ or Na+ ruled out the possibility that the Cl− conductance was generated by a cation-dependent cotransporter or pump. Common G-protein-dependent signalling pathways, including phospholipase C, arachidonic acid, and cyclic nucleotides, do not appear to be involved. Ca2+ imaging experiments showed that betaine did not affect [Ca2+]i, suggesting that the Cl− current is not Ca2+ dependent. Our findings represent the first report of an odorant-activated, hyperpolarizing chloride conductance in olfactory receptor neurons.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 20 March 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Danaceau, J., Lucero, M. Betaine activates a hyperpolarizing chloride conductance in squid olfactory receptor neurons. J Comp Physiol A 183, 225–235 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003590050250
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003590050250