However, the precise molecular mechanisms involved in these effects are unknown. The effects of general anesthetics on presynaptic ion channels are being characterized in isolated neurohypophyseal nerve terminals by patch clapmp electrophysiological anaylsis. The basic biochemical mechanisms involved in the regulation of protein phosphatase activity in neurons are also being investigated. Previous studies have identified an endogenous neuronal protein phosphatase inhibitor that is an important molecular integrator of multiple converging cellular signals in dopaminoceptive neurons. We are currently identifying and characterizing specific targeting subunits for protein phosphatase-1 in neurons.
Current studies focus on the regulation and interactions of one such protein, neurabin.
I interaction with protein phosphatase 1 by phosphorylation. Ratnakumari, L., Vysotskaya, T.N., Duch, D.S. and Hemmings, H.C.Jr. Differential effects of anesthetic and nonanesthetic cyclobutanes on neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels. Ratnakumari, L., Vysotskaya, T.N., Duch, D.S. and Hemmings, H.C.Jr. Blanck, T.J.J, Haile, M., Xu, F., Heerdt, P., Beckman, J., Kang, R., Adamo, A., Hemmings, H.C.Jr.