TEA increases the duration of the action potential (Schmidt & Stampfli, 1966) by blocking depolarization-activated delayed rectifier K+ channels in the nodal axolemma.
What does TEA do to the neuron?
Tetraethylammonium (TEA) increases the inactivation time constant of the transient K+ current in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons.
What happens when potassium channels are blocked?
These drugs bind to and block the potassium channels that are responsible for phase 3 repolarization. Therefore, blocking these channels slows (delays) repolarization, which leads to an increase in action potential duration and an increase in the effective refractory period (ERP).
What happens if you apply TEA to the axon?
Tetraethylammonium (TEA+) is a small organic cation, about the size of a hydrated K+ ion, that is very useful as a blocker of many K+ channels. It has been known since 1970 that removal of K+ ions from both sides of the membrane of squid giant axons renders its K channels permanently nonfunctional (2).
What is tetraethylammonium action potential?
Tetraethylammonium depresses the effect of nicotine receptor stimulants at postganglionic autonomic neurons either by blocking nicotine receptors or the receptor-regulated sodium channel. In isolated splenic nerve bundles, tetraethylammonium (30 mM) prolonged the evoked mass action potential.
What is tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate?
Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate is used as a phase transfer catalyst in organic synthesis. It is involved in the synthesis of conducting poly(thiophenes). Solubility. Soluble in water, alcohol and acetonitrile.
How does TEA block potassium channels?
Tetraethylammonium (TEA) blocks ion conduction through potassium channels in a voltage-dependent manner from both sides of the membrane. We propose that TEA blocks potassium channels by acting as a potassium analog at the dehydration transition step during permeation.