Abstract
A neuron's electrical properties are produced by a variety of voltage- and time-dependent ionic conductances. Here we examine how activity deprivation affects the excitability and ionic currents of cultured cortical pyramidal neurons. Blocking activity for 48
h results in a marked increase in excitability, mediated by changes in sodium and persistent potassium currents. This finding suggests that neurons can control their firing rates by tuning their distribution of ionic conductances in response to changes in activity.