Queer current and pacemaker: the hyperpolarization-activated cation current in neurons

HC Pape - Annual review of physiology, 1996 - annualreviews.org
HC Pape
Annual review of physiology, 1996annualreviews.org
The cation conductance activated upon hyperpolarization of the membrane beyond the
resting value appears to represent an ubiquitous type of membrane channel. Our
understanding of the respective membrane current, termed Ih, in neurons has matured from
that of a “queer” current toward that of a highly regulated mechanism that is particularly
important in determining integrative behavior near rest and providing the pacemaker
depolarization during rhythmicoscillatory activity.
Abstract
The cation conductance activated upon hyperpolarization of the membrane beyond the resting value appears to represent an ubiquitous type of membrane channel. Our understanding of the respective membrane current, termed Ih, in neurons has matured from that of a “queer” current toward that of a highly regulated mechanism that is particularly important in determining integrative behavior near rest and providing the pacemaker depolarization during rhythmicoscillatory activity.
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