We report the long-term modulation of K+ channels by cAMP in cultured murine colliculi neurons. A short (1-2 s) application of 8-Br-cAMP induced a long-lasting broadening of the action potential, a loss of after-hyperpolarization, and a reduction in spike accommodation. In agreement with these changes, 8-Br-cAMP produced a longlasting (2 hr) inhibition of a K+ current. These effects were also observed after a short activation of the pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide, 6-adrenergic, and 5-hydroxytryptamine type 4 (5-HT4) receptors, all known to increase cAMP. A transient activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and a long-lasting inhibition of phosphatases (up to 2 hr) were detected. The blockade of the K+ current resulting from a brief application of 8-Br-cAMP or 5-hydroxytryptamine was prolonged from 2 to 4 hr when proteinserine/threonine phosphatases 1 and 2A were inhibited with 10 nM okadaic acid. The critical steps following the cAMPdependent protein kinase activation and resulting in a longterm blockade of phosphatases are discussed in this report.Neurotransmitters and hormones elevate the intracellular level of cAMP through their interaction at the membrane surface with specific receptors which are positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase via a stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs protein). The cellular responses to an increase in intracellular cAMP are determined by the cell-specific substrate proteins that are phosphorylated by the cAMPdependent protein kinase (PKA). These neuronal substrate proteins include proteins involved in transmitter release, neurotransmitter synthesis, and ion channel function. Ion channels known to be phosphorylated by PKA include the glutamate and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and voltage-dependent Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels such as transient (IA), delayed, and Ca2+-activated K+ channels (1, 2).We have recently identified a cAMP-inhibited K+ current in cultured colliculi neurons isolated from the embryonic mouse (3). However, the physiological significance of this receptormediated K+ channel modulation remains to be determined. One physiological consequence of cAMP-mediated inhibition of K+ channels is the prolonged enhancement of transmitter release which underlies the long-term sensitization of the Aplysia californica gill withdrawal reflex (4, 5). Although some forms of long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain have been shown to involve either K+ channels (6) or cAMP (7-9), there is no direct evidence for an implication of cAMP-regulated K+ channels. We addressed this question by examining the long-term effects of a brief elevation of the intracellular concentration in cAMP on excitability and K+ current activity in cultured colliculi neurons For protein phosphatase assays, 100 ,uM 8-Br-cAMP or 10 p.M serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) was added to the culture medium for 5 min at 37°C. The neurons were then washed three times with culture medium. The neuron suspension was immediately homogenized a...