The BK current, Ic, and Fast AHP in learning & aging

描述（由申请人提供）：认知能力下降和记忆问题是所谓“正常”衰老的一个突出特征。然而，有些人认为这种记忆丧失是不正常的，应该作为一种早期疾病状态来处理。在成年人的一生中，学习新信息和储存永久记忆的过程变得越来越困难，而且经常完全失败。信息的储存通过许多机制改变了神经元的功能。其中一条途径是改变细胞的兴奋性。神经元兴奋性降低可能是无法接收和存储新信息的原因。AHP和慢AHP电流先前被认为与学习和年龄相关的学习缺陷有关。另一种更快的钾电流称为Ic，或fAHP，已知既依赖电压又依赖钙。因为先前的报告已经表明，随着时间的推移，AHP在学习中的参与会发生改变，因此预计与年轻人相比，老年受试者的Ic电流会发生改变，从而导致与年龄相关的学习缺陷。本研究拟探讨学习后快速AHP电流Ic及其与躯体兴奋性的关系，以及正常衰老引起的快速AHP电流改变。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cognitive decline and memory problems are a prominent feature of so-called "normal" aging. However, some would argue that this memory loss is not normal, and should be addressed as an early disease state. Across the adult life span, the process of learning new information and storing permanent memories becomes more and more difficult, and often fails entirely. Storing information alters the functionality of neurons through many mechanisms. One of these pathways is altering the excitability of the cell. Reduced neuronal excitability could be responsible for an inability to receive and store new information. The AHP and slow AHP currents have previously been implicated in learning and age-related learning deficits. Another faster potassium current named Ic, or fAHP is known to be both voltage and calcium dependent. Because previous reports have shown that the involvement of the AHP in learning is altered over time, it is expected that older subjects will have an altered Ic current when compared to younger adults, contributing to age-related learning deficits. This study proposes to examine the fast AHP current, Ic, and its relationship to somatic excitability after learning and alterations in this current caused by normal aging.