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Usage of the term "depolarization" in biology differs from its use in physics, where it refers to situations in which any form of polarity ( i.e. the presence of any electrical charge, whether positive or negative) changes to a value of zero. Depolarization is sometimes referred to as "hypopolarization" [1] [2] (as opposed to hyperpolarization).
Low-threshold spikes (LTS) refer to membrane depolarizations by the T-type calcium channel.LTS occur at low, negative, membrane depolarizations. They often follow a membrane hyperpolarization, which can be the result of decreased excitability or increased inhibition.
K ir channels close upon depolarization, slowing membrane repolarization and helping maintain a more prolonged cardiac action potential. This type of inward-rectifier channel is distinct from delayed rectifier K + channels , which help repolarize nerve and muscle cells after action potentials ; and potassium leak channels , which provide much ...
The endothelium maintains vascular homeostasis through the release of active vasodilators.Although nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as the primary factor at level of arteries, increased evidence for the role of another endothelium-derived vasodilator known as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) has accumulated in the last years.
The classical explanation of HPV involves inhibition of hypoxia-sensitive voltage-gated potassium channels in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells leading to depolarization. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] This depolarization activates voltage-dependent calcium channels , which increases intracellular calcium and activates smooth muscle contractile machinery which ...
L-type Calcium Channels contain 5 different subunits, the α1(170–240 kDa), α2(150kDa), δ(17-25 kDa), β(50-78 kDa), and γ(32 kDa) subunits. [8] The α2, δ, and β subunits are non-covalently bonded to the α1 subunit and modulate ion trafficking and biophysical properties of the α1 subunit.
A neuron receives signals from neighboring cells through branched, cellular extensions called dendrites.The neuron then propagates an electrical signal down a specialized axon extension from the basal pole to the synapse, where neurotransmitters are released to propagate the signal to another neuron or effector cell (e.g., muscle or gland).
It is usually due to ion channels in the cell membrane that spontaneously open and close (e.g. If channels in cardiac pacemaker cells). When the membrane potential reaches depolarization threshold an action potential (AP) is fired, excitation-contraction coupling initiates and the myocyte contracts. [citation needed]