J. Burne, M. E. Webster
Jun 15, 1977
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Quality indicators
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Life sciences
Abstract
Abstract The action of Erabutoxin ‘b’ from the venom of the sea-snake L. semifasciata was examined on neurones in the rat somatosensory cortex. The toxin was delivered by iontophoresis to the extracellular environment of units which were spontaneously active and others induced to fire by sodium-L-glutamate. In both types of unit excitation of firing, often giving way to a depression, was observed. The depression persisted after removal of the toxin current; however a recovery was later evident. The toxin was concluded to have a direct action on neuronal excitability and possible mechanisms are discussed.