Resurgent Na+ current: A new avenue to neuronal excitability control

Integrative and firing properties are important characteristics of neuronal circuits and these responses are determined in large part by the repertoire of ion channels they express, which can vary considerably between cell types. Recently, a new mode of operation of voltage dependent sodium channels has been described that generates a so-called resurgent Na+ current. Accumulating evidence suggests resurgent Na current participates in the generation of sub-threshold inward Na+ current causing membrane depolarization which provides the necessary drive to fire high-frequency action potentials. Recent studies indicate that resurgent Na+ current could be a more widespread feature than previously thought. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.