We are currently investigating the biophysical properties of these ion channels to determine the basis for electrical resonance in the frog sacculus, and to test whether electrical resonance is sufficient by itself to account for tuning in this organ. This calcium signal is important for both electrical resonance and for synaptic transmission. We are also investigating the physiology and anatomy of the hair cell's synapses onto afferent axons. These synapses are specialized for chemical transmission without action potentials. We are particularly interested in understanding how the unique anatomical features of these synapses may contribute to their physiological properties.
Papain alters the electrical properties of frog saccular hair cells.
A novel voltage clamp technique for focal measurement of ionic currents from cultured skeletal muscle cells. Calretinin is present in a subset of hair cells of the frog sacculus. Modeling of synaptic vesicle capture by the synaptic body in frog saccular hair cells. Papain alters the resonant frequency of frog saccular hair cells. Capacitance measurements of latrotoxin-induced exocytosis in saccular hair cells.