Data from: Na+/K+ pump interacts with the h-current to control bursting activity in central pattern generator neurons of leeches

The dynamics of different ionic currents shape the bursting activity of
neurons and networks that control motor output. Despite being ubiquitous
in all animal cells, the contribution of the Na+/K+ pump current to such
bursting activity has not been well studied. We used monensin, a Na+/H+
antiporter, to examine the role of the pump on the bursting activity of
oscillator heart interneurons in leeches. When we stimulated the pump with
monensin, the period of these neurons decreased significantly, an effect
that was prevented or reversed when the h-current was blocked by Cs+. The
decreased period could also occur if the pump was inhibited with
strophanthidin or K+-free saline. Our monensin results were reproduced in
model, which explains the pump’s contributions to bursting activity based
on Na+ dynamics. Our results indicate that a dynamically oscillating pump
current that interacts with the h-current can regulate the bursting
activity of neurons and networks.