In Vitro Study on Influence of Nano Particles of CuO on CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of Rat Hippocampus Potassium Currents

The effects of nano particles of CuO on voltage-dependent potassium currents were studied in acutely isolated CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus using the whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Nano particles of CuO had small effects on transient outward potassium current (I-A, no statistical significance) and mainly inhibited delayed rectifier potassium current (I-K) in the concentration of 5 x 10(5) g/mL. Nano particles of CuO didn't shift the steady-state activation curve of I-K and I-A but negatively shifted the inactivation curve of I-K. The effects on inactivation curve of I-A had no statistical significance. These results suggested that blockades of K+ currents by nano particles of CuO could be preferential for I-k for the first time. This may interfere with the normal function of nerve cells. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals. Inc. Environ Toxicol 24:211-217. 2009.