Ionic Factors Governing Rebound Burst Phenotype in Rat Deep Cerebellar Neurons

Large diameter cells in rat deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) can be distinguished according to the generation of a transient or weak rebound burst and the expression of T-type Ca(2+) channel isoforms. We studied the ionic basis for the distinction in burst phenotypes in rat DCN cells in vitro. Following a hyperpolarization, transient burst cells generated a high-frequency spike burst of < or = 450 Hz, whereas weak burst cells generated a lower-frequency increase (<140 Hz). Both cell types expressed a low voltage-activated (LVA) Ca(2+) current near threshold for rebound burst discharge (-50 mV) that was consistent with T-type Ca(2+) current, but on average 7 times more current was recorded in transient burst cells. The number and frequency of spikes in rebound bursts was tightly correlated with the peak Ca(2+) current at -50 mV, showing a direct relationship between the availability of LVA Ca(2+) current and spike output. Transient burst cells exhibited a larger spike depolarizing afterpotential that was insensitive to blockers of voltage-gated Na(+) or Ca(2+) channels. In comparison, weak burst cells exhibited larger afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) that reduced cell excitability and rebound spike output. The sensitivity of AHPs to Ca(2+) channel blockers suggests that both LVA and high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) channels trigger AHPs in weak burst compared with only HVA Ca(2+) channels in transient burst cells. The two burst phenotypes in rat DCN cells thus derive in part from a difference in the availability of LVA Ca(2+) current following a hyperpolarization and a differential activation of AHPs that establish distinct levels of membrane excitability.