Divalent cations modulate 5-HT3 receptor-induced currents in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

The influence of extracellular calcium and magnesium ion concentrations upon 5-HT3 receptor-gated membrane currents in murine N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells has been studied under voltage-clamp conditions. A decrease in the concentration of either Ca2+ or Mg2+ from their standard values of 1.0 and 2.0 mM respectively augmented both the amplitude and duration of the 5-HT-induced current, whereas elevating the concentration of either divalent cation produced the opposite effect. Such modulation did not involve a change in the reversal potential of the response.