M CURRENT Meaning and
Definition
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The "M current" refers to a type of potassium ion current that exists in neurons. It is a slow, non-inactivating potassium current that plays a crucial role in regulating the excitability and firing properties of neurons.
The M current is named as such because it was initially discovered in molluscan neurons, where it was observed to generate a slow and prolonged inhibitory effect on neuronal activity. Subsequent research has shown that the M current is not exclusive to molluscan neurons, but is instead a widespread feature in many types of neurons, including those found in the mammalian brain.
The M current is primarily carried by potassium ions and is activated by small hyperpolarizations of the neuron's membrane potential. When the M current is activated, it serves to stabilize the membrane potential by "dampening" excitatory inputs and preventing excessive neuronal firing. This is achieved through the outward flow of potassium ions, which contributes to the repolarization of the neuron's membrane potential.
The M current can also influence other neuronal properties, such as the shape and duration of action potentials, synaptic integration, and synaptic transmission. Dysfunction or alterations in the M current have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and certain psychiatric conditions.
In summary, the M current is a slow, non-inactivating potassium ion current found in neurons that plays a vital role in modulating neuronal excitability and shaping various aspects of neuronal function.
Common Misspellings for M CURRENT
- m current
- n current
- k current
- j current
- m xurrent
- m vurrent
- m furrent
- m durrent
- m cyrrent
- m chrrent
- m cjrrent
- m cirrent
- m c8rrent
- m c7rrent
- m cuerent
- m cudrent
- m cufrent
- m cutrent
- m cu5rent
- m cu4rent
Etymology of M CURRENT
The etymology of the word "M current" relates to its origin in electrophysiology, specifically pertaining to neuronal ion channels. The "M" in "M current" refers to "muscarinic" because the current was identified and first characterized in relation to the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
The term "M current" was coined by American neuroscientist Steve A. Siegelbaum and colleagues in the early 1980s. It describes a type of potassium current that is modulated by muscarinic receptors. The activation of these receptors by acetylcholine leads to the opening of potassium channels, resulting in the efflux of potassium ions from the neuron, and thus, affecting its electrical properties.
The use of the letter "M" is derived from the term "muscarinic", referring to the type of acetylcholine receptor involved in modulating the potassium current.
