Sodium channels in central neurons of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens: basic properties and modification by scorpion toxins

Voltage-activated sodium channels in central neurons of larval and adult Heliothis virescens were characterized using whole-cell patch clamp techniques. Macroscopic currents showing rapid activation and inactivation kinetics were uniformly sensitive to tetrodotoxin (IC50=1.9 nM). Currents began to activate at voltage steps to −45 mV and reached half maximal at −30 mV. Fast inactivation was evident at voltages as negative as −75 mV and reached half maximal at −50 mV. Full recovery from inactivation occurred within 1 to 2 ms. Currents in larval neurons exhibited similar properties to those of adult neurons, except for the rate of fast inactivation (t1), which was significantly slower in larval neurons. The biophysical properties of sodium channels remained unchanged for up to 3 days in culture. Two insecticidal neurotoxins, LqhαIT and AaIT, produced distinctly different modifications of H. virescens sodium channels. LqhαIT slowed channel inactivation, while AaIT specifically shifted voltage-dependent activation to more negative potentials. Overall, the results indicate that sodium channels in H. virescens neurons exhibit biophysical characteristics similar to those of vertebrates, yet possess pharmacological uniqueness with respect to scorpion toxin modification.