Molecular basis of R-type calcium channels in central amygdala neurons of the mouse

R-type Ca2+ channels play a critical role in coupling excitability to dendritic Ca2+ influx and neuronal secretion. Unlike other types of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (L, N, P/Q, and T type), the molecular basis for the R-type Ca2+ channel is still unclear, thereby limiting further detailed analyses of R-type Ca2+ channel physiology. The prevailing hypothesis is that alpha(1E) (Ca(V)2.3) gene encodes for R-type Ca2+ channels, but the dearth of critical evidence has rendered this hypothesis controversial. Here we generated alpha(1E)-deficient mice (alpha(1E)-/-) and examined the status of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ currents in central amygdala (CeA) neurons that exhibit abundant alpha(1E) expression and R-type Ca2+ currents. The majority of R-type currents in CeA neurons were eliminated in alpha(1E)-/- mice whereas other Ca2+ channel types were unaffected. These data clearly indicate that the expression of alpha(1E) gene underlies R-type Ca2+ channels in CeA neurons. Furthermore, the alpha(1E)-/mice exhibited signs of enhanced fear as evidenced by their vigorous escaping behavior and aversion to open-field conditions. These latter findings imply a possible role of alpha(1E)-based R-type Ca2+ currents in amygdala physiology associated with fear.