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PubMed2004

Ethanol potentiation of GABAergic synaptic transmission may be self-limiting: role of presynaptic GABA(B) receptors.

Ethanol enhances GABAergic synaptic inhibition, and this interaction contributes to many of the behavioral and cognitive effects of this drug. Most studies suggest that ethanol enhances GABAergic neurotransmission via an allosteric potentiation of the postsynaptic GABA(A) receptors that mediate fast synaptic inhibition in the mammalian CNS. Despite widespread acceptance of this hypothesis, direct support for such a mechanism has been difficult to obtain. Ethanol does not enhance GABA(A) receptor function in all brain regions or under all experimental conditions, and factors responsible for this variability remain mostly unknown. Notably, blockade of GABA(B) receptors dramatically enhances ethanol potentiation of hippocampal GABA(A) IPSPs and IPSCs, suggesting that some unknown GABA(B) receptor mechanism limits the overall potentiating effect of ethanol on GABAergic synapses. In this study, we demonstrate that, at perisomatic synapses in the rat hippocampus, ethanol enhances presynaptic GABA(B) autoreceptor function and that this interaction reduces the overall potentiating effect of ethanol at these synapses. We further show that ethanol significantly elevates basal presynaptic GABA(B) receptor tone, possibly via an increase in spontaneous GABA release, and that pretreatment with a subthreshold concentration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen blocks ethanol but not flunitrazepam or pentobarbital potentiation of GABA(A) IPSCs. These data suggest that an interaction between ethanol and presynaptic GABA(B) autoreceptor activity regulates the ethanol sensitivity of GABAergic synapses. Given that the in vitro ethanol sensitivity of these synapses correlates with in vivo ethanol responsiveness in a number of rodent lines, our data further suggest that presynaptic GABA(B) receptor activity may play a role in regulating behavioral sensitivity to ethanol.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A mosaic of functional kainate receptors in hippocampal interneurons.

Although some physiological functions of kainate receptors (KARs) still remain unclear, recent advances have highlighted a role in synaptic physiology. In hippocampal slices, kainate depresses GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition and increases the firing rate of interneurons. However, the sensitivity to agonists of these responses differs, suggesting that the presynaptic and somatic KARs have a distinct molecular composition. Hippocampal interneurons express several distinct KAR subunits that can assemble into heteromeric receptors with a variety of pharmacological properties and that, in principle, could fulfill different roles. To address which receptor types mediate each of the effects of kainate in interneurons, we used new compounds and mice deficient for specific KAR subunits. In a recombinant assay, 5-carboxyl-2,4-di-benzamido-benzoic acid (NS3763) acted exclusively on homomeric glutamate receptor subunit 5 (GluR5), whereas 3S,4aR,6S,8aR-6-((4-carboxyphenyl)methyl) 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (LY382884) antagonized homomeric GluR5 and any heteromeric combination containing GluR5 subunits. In hippocampal slices, LY382884, but not NS3763, was able to prevent kainate-induced depression of evoked IPSC. In contrast, neither prevented the concomitant increase in spontaneous IPSC frequency. The selectivity of these compounds was seen additionally in knock-out mice, such that they were inactive in GluR5-/- mice but completely effective in GluR6-/- mice. Our data indicate that in wild-type mice, CA1 interneurons express heteromeric GluR6 -KA2 receptors in their somatic compartments and GluR5-GluR6 or GluR5-KA2 at presynaptic terminals. However, functional compensation appears to take place in the null mutants, a new pharmacological profile emerging more compatible with the activity of homomeric receptors in both compartments: GluR5 in GluR6-/- mice and GluR6 in GluR5-/- mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Enhanced inhibitory synaptic transmission in the cerebellar molecular layer of the GluRdelta2 knock-out mouse.

A novel ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit delta2 (GluRdelta2), which is specifically expressed in cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs), is implicated in the induction of long-term depression. Mutant mice deficient in GluRdelta2 (delta2-/-) have abnormal cerebellar synaptic organization and impaired motor coordination and learning. Previous in vivo extracellular recordings indelta2-/- revealed that PN activity distinct from that in wild-type (WT) mice is attributable to enhanced climbing fiber activity. Here, we report that GABAergic synaptic transmission was enhanced in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex in delta2-/-. Optical recordings in cerebellar slice preparations indicated that application of bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, increased the amplitude and area of excitation propagation more in delta2-/- than in WT. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from PNs demonstrated that miniature IPSC (mIPSC) amplitude were larger in delta2-/- than in WT. Also, rebound potentiation (RP), a type of long-lasting inhibitory synaptic potentiation inducible by postsynaptic depolarization of PNs in WT, was not induced in slices prepared from delta2-/-. In contrast, RP was induced in cultured PNs prepared from delta2-/-. Pharmacologic activation of climbing fibers in WT in vivo increased mIPSC amplitudes in PNs and prevented RP induction. These results suggest that enhanced climbing fiber activity in delta2-/- potentiates IPSC amplitudes in PNs through RP in vivo, resulting in the prevention of additional RP induction.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2004

Neuropeptide Y inhibits hypocretin/orexin neurons by multiple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms: tonic depression of the hypothalamic arousal system.

Neurons that release neuropeptide Y (NPY) have important effects on hypothalamic homeostatic regulation, including energy homeostasis, and innervate hypocretin neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording, we explored NPY actions on hypocretin cells identified by selective green fluorescent protein expression in mouse hypothalamic slices. NPY reduced spike frequency and hyperpolarized the membrane potential of hypocretin neurons. The NPY hyperpolarizing action persisted in tetrodotoxin (TTX), was mimicked by Y1 receptor-selective agonists [Pro34]-NPY and [D-Arg25]-NPY, and was abolished by the Y1-specific antagonist BIBP3226 [(R)-N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-D-arginine-amide], consistent with a direct activation of postsynaptic Y1 receptors. NPY induced a current that was dependent on extracellular potassium, reversed near the potassium equilibrium potential, showed inward rectification, was blocked by extracellular barium, and was abolished by GDP-betaS in the recording pipette, consistent with a G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) current. [Pro34]-NPY evoked, and BIBP3226 blocked, the activation of the GIRK-type current, indicating mediation by a Y1 receptor. NPY attenuated voltage-dependent calcium currents mainly via a Y1 receptor subtype. BIBP3226 increased spontaneous spike frequency, suggesting an ongoing Y1 receptor-mediated NPY inhibition. In TTX, miniature EPSCs were reduced in frequency but not amplitude by NPY, NPY13-36, and [D-Trp32]-NPY, but not by [Pro34]-NPY, suggesting the presynaptic inhibition was mediated by a Y2/Y5 receptor. NPY had little effect on GABA-mediated miniature IPSCs but depressed spontaneous IPSCs. Together, these data support the view that NPY reduces the activity of hypocretin neurons by multiple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms and suggest NPY axons innervating hypocretin neurons may tonically attenuate hypocretin-regulated arousal.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

GABAergic synaptic inhibition is reduced before seizure onset in a genetic model of cortical malformation.

Malformations of the neocortex are a common cause of human epilepsy; however, the critical issue of how disturbances in cortical organization render neurons epileptogenic remains controversial. The present study addressed this issue by studying inhibitory structure and function before seizure onset in the telencephalic internal structural heterotopia (tish) rat, which is a genetic model of heightened seizure susceptibility associated with a prominent neocortical malformation. Both normally positioned (normotopic) and misplaced (heterotopic) pyramidal neurons in the tish neocortex exhibited lower resting membrane potentials and a tendency toward higher input resistance compared with pyramidal neurons from control brains. GABAergic synaptic transmission was attenuated in the tish cortex, characterized by significant reductions in the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) and miniature IPSCs recorded from pyramidal neurons. In addition, the amplitudes of sIPSCs were reduced in the tish neocortex, an effect that was more profound in the normotopic cells. Immunohistochemical assessment of presynaptic GABAergic terminals showed a reduction in terminals surrounding pyramidal cell somata in normotopic and heterotopic tish neocortex. The attenuation of inhibitory innervation was more prominent for normotopic neurons and was associated with a reduction in a subset of GABAergic interneurons expressing the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin. Together, these findings indicate that key facets of inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission are disturbed before seizure onset in a brain predisposed to developing seizures. Such alterations represent a rational substrate for reduced seizure thresholds associated with certain cortical malformations.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2004

ATP excites interneurons and astrocytes to increase synaptic inhibition in neuronal networks.

We investigated the role of extracellular ATP at astrocytes and inhibitory GABAergic interneurons in the stratum radiatum area of the mouse hippocampus. We show that exogenously applied ATP increased astrocyte intracellular Ca2+ levels and depolarized all calbindinand calretinin-positive interneurons in the stratum radiatum region of mouse hippocampus, leading to action potential firing and enhanced synaptic inhibition onto the postsynaptic targets of interneurons. Electrophysiological, pharmacological, and immunostaining studies suggested that the effect of ATP on interneurons was mediated by P2Y1 receptors, and that the depolarization of interneurons was caused by the concomitant reduction and activation of potassium and nonselective cationic conductances, respectively. Electrical stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals and perforant path, as well as local stimulation within the stratum radiatum, evoked increases in intracellular Ca2+ in astrocytes. Facilitation of GABAergic IPSCs onto interneurons also occurred during electrical stimulation. Both the stimulation-evoked increases in astrocyte Ca2+ levels and facilitation of GABAergic IPSCs were sensitive to antagonists of P2Y1 receptors and mimicked by exogenous P2Y1 receptor agonists, suggesting that endogenously released ATP can activate P2Y receptors on both astrocytes and interneurons. Overall, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that ATP released from neurons and astrocytes acts on P2Y1 receptors to excite interneurons, resulting in increased synaptic inhibition within intact hippocampal circuits.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2004

Direct excitation of inhibitory interneurons by extracellular ATP mediated by P2Y1 receptors in the hippocampal slice.

ATP is an important cell-to-cell signaling molecule mediating the interactions between astrocytes and neurons in the CNS. In the hippocampal slices, ATP suppresses excitatory transmission mostly through activation of adenosine A1 receptors, because the ectoenzyme activity for the extracellular breakdown of ATP to adenosine is high in slice preparations in contrast to culture environments. Because the hippocampus is also rich in the expression of P2 receptors activated specifically by ATP, we examined whether ATP modulates neuronal excitability in the acute slice preparations independently of adenosine receptors. Although ATP decreased the frequency of spontaneously occurring EPSCs in the CA3 pyramidal neurons through activation of adenosine A1 receptors, ATP concurrently increased the frequency of IPSCs in a manner dependent on action potential generation. This effect was mediated by P2Y1 receptors because (1) 2-methylthio-ATP (2meSATP) was the most potent agonist, (2) 2'-deoxy-N6-methyladenosine-3',5'-bisphosphate diammonium (MRS2179) abolished this effect, and (3) this increase in IPSC frequency was not observed in the transgenic mice lacking P2Y1 receptor proteins. Application of 2meSATP elicited MRS2179-sensitive time- and voltage-dependent inward currents in the interneurons, which depolarized the cell to firing threshold. Also, it increased [Ca2+]i in both astrocytes and interneurons, but, unlike the former effect, the latter was entirely dependent on Ca2+ entry. Thus, in hippocampal slices, in addition to activating A1 receptors of the excitatory terminals after being converted to adenosine, ATP activates P2Y1 receptors in the interneurons, which is linked to activation of unidentified excitatory conductance, through mechanisms distinct from those in the astrocytes.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

Release probability-dependent scaling of the postsynaptic responses at single hippocampal GABAergic synapses.

The amount of neurotransmitter released after the arrival of an action potential affects the strength and the trial-to-trial variability of postsynaptic responses. Most studies examining the dependence of synaptic neurotransmitter concentration on the release probability (P(r)) have focused on glutamatergic synapses. Here we asked whether univesicular or multivesicular release characterizes transmission at hippocampal GABAergic synapses. We used multiple probability functional analysis to derive quantal parameters at inhibitory connections between cannabinoid receptor- and cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing interneurons and CA3 pyramidal cells. After the recordings, the cells were visualized and reconstructed at the light-microscopic level, and the number of boutons mediating the IPSCs was determined using electron microscopy (EM). The number of active zones (AZs) per CCK-immunopositive bouton was determined from three-dimensional EM reconstructions, thus allowing the calculation of the total number of AZs for each pair. Our results reveal an approximate fivefold discrepancy between the numbers of functionally determined release sites (17.4 +/- 3.2) and structurally identified AZs (3.7 +/- 0.9). Channel modeling predicts that a fivefold to sevenfold increase in the peak synaptic GABA concentration is required for the fivefold enhancement of the postsynaptic responses. Kinetic analysis of the unitary IPSCs indicates that the increase in synaptic GABA concentration is most likely attributable to multivesicular release. This change in the synaptic GABA concentration transient together with extremely low postsynaptic receptor occupancy permits a P(r)-dependent scaling of the postsynaptic response generated at a single hippocampal GABAergic synaptic contact.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Pharmacological properties of GABAA receptors in rat hypothalamic neurons expressing the epsilon-subunit.

The pharmacological properties and functional role of native GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) were investigated in rat hypothalamic neurons expressing the epsilon-subunit with the help of whole-cell patch-clamp recording and single-cell reverse transcription-PCR. Two cell groups were identified: histaminergic tuberomamillary and orexinergic/hypocretinergic neurons. Approximately 25% of histaminergic and 70% of orexinergic neurons contained mRNA encoding for the epsilon-subunit. Double-immunofluorescence staining revealed a somatic localization of this protein in these two neuronal groups. Constitutive activity, diazepam modulation, fast desensitization of maximal currents, and activation by propofol (6-98 microm) of GABA(A)Rs did not correlate with epsilon-subunit expression. Propofol at 3-12 microm potentiated GABA-mediated currents similarly in all neurons. However, noise variance analysis of GABA-mediated currents enhanced by propofol revealed a significant difference between epsilon-positive and epsilon-negative neurons. The former displayed no difference between control and potentiated responses, and, in the latter, noise was decreased in the presence of propofol. Spontaneous IPSCs recorded in cultured hypothalamic neurons were prolonged in the presence of propofol in all epsilon-negative neurons, whereas propofol-resistant IPSCs were recorded in epsilon-positive cells. The infrequent expression of the epsilon-subunit may be a key factor in the recently discovered central role of the tuberomamillary nucleus in anesthesia.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗
PubMed2004

Dopamine excites nucleus accumbens neurons through the differential modulation of glutamate and GABA release.

Afferent activity into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) occurs in bursts of action potentials. However, it is unclear how synapses in this nucleus respond to such bursts, or how these responses are altered by dopamine (DA). I examined the effects of DA on excitatory and inhibitory responses to trains of stimuli in rat NAc slices. Both EPSCs and IPSCs showed use-dependent depression during trains. Although DA inhibited both glutamate and GABA release in the NAc, it differentially inhibited release during trains. The inhibition of IPSCs persisted throughout the train of stimuli, whereas the inhibition of EPSCs progressively diminished. This differential modulation may be explained by a calcium-dependent change in the recovery from depression at the GABA synapses, where DA acts by decreasing Ca2+ entry. Thus, at later stages of sustained stimulation, DA preferentially inhibits GABA release, producing a net excitatory effect during bursts suggesting a mechanism for enhancing the contrast between competing inputs into the NAc, as well as for affecting long-term plasticity in this structure.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

Distinct physiological mechanisms underlie altered glycinergic synaptic transmission in the murine mutants spastic, spasmodic, and oscillator.

Spastic (spa), spasmodic (spd), and oscillator (ot) mice have naturally occurring glycine receptor (GlyR) mutations, which manifest as motor deficits and an exaggerated "startle response." Using whole-cell recording in hypoglossal motoneurons, we compared the physiological mechanisms by which each mutation alters GlyR function. Mean glycinergic miniature IPSC (mIPSC) amplitude and frequency were dramatically reduced (>50%) compared with controls for each mutant. mIPSC decay times were unchanged in spa/spa (4.5 +/- 0.3 vs 4.7 +/- 0.2 ms), reduced in spd/spd (2.7 +/- 0.2 vs 4.7 +/- 0.2 ms), and increased in ot/ot (12.3 +/- 1.2 vs 4.8 +/- 0.2 ms). Thus, in spastic, GlyRs are functionally normal but reduced in number, whereas in spasmodic, GlyR kinetics is faster. The oscillator mutation results in complete absence of alpha1-containing GlyRs; however, some non-alpha1-containing GlyRs persist at synapses. Fluctuation analysis of membrane current, induced by glycine application to outside-out patches, showed that mean single-channel conductance was increased in spa/spa (64.2 +/- 4.9 vs 36.1 +/- 1.4 pS), but unchanged in spd/spd (32.4 +/- 2.1 vs 35.3 +/- 2.1 pS). GlyR-mediated whole-cell currents in spa/spa exhibited increased picrotoxin sensitivity (27 vs 71% block for 100 microM), indicating alpha1 homomeric GlyR expression. The picrotoxin sensitivity of evoked glycinergic IPSCs and conductance of synaptic GlyRs, as determined by nonstationary variance analysis, were identical for spa/spa and controls. Together, these findings show the three mutations disrupt GlyR-mediated inhibition via different physiological mechanisms, and the spastic mutation results in "compensatory" alpha1 homomeric GlyRs at extrasynaptic loci.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione↗
PubMed2005

Direct and indirect inhibition by catecholamines of hypocretin/orexin neurons.

Hypothalamic hypocretin enhances arousal, similar to the actions of norepinephrine (NE). The physiological actions of NE were examined in hypocretin neurons identified by selective green fluorescent protein expression in transgenic mouse hypothalamic slices using whole-cell recording. NE induced an outward current, inhibited spike frequency, and hyperpolarized hypocretin neurons dose dependently. Similar actions were evoked by the selective alpha2 adrenergic agonist clonidine. The alpha2 antagonist idazoxan increased spike frequency, suggesting tonic NE-mediated inhibition. The NE-induced current was inwardly rectified, and the reversal potential was dependent on external potassium concentration; it was blocked by barium in the bath and by GTP-gamma-S in the pipette, suggesting activation of a G-protein inward rectifying K+ (GIRK) current. NE and clonidine decreased calcium currents evoked by depolarizing voltage steps. The selective alpha1 adrenergic agonist phenylephrine had no effect on membrane potential but did increase IPSC frequency; miniature IPSC frequency was also increased, in some cells without any effect on amplitude, suggesting a facilitative presynaptic action at alpha1 receptors on GABAergic axons that innervate hypocretin neurons. NE therefore inhibits hypocretin neurons directly through two mechanisms: activation of a GIRK current, depression of calcium currents, and indirectly through increased inhibitory GABA input. Similar to NE, dopamine and epinephrine reduced or blocked spikes and, in the presence of TTX, showed direct hyperpolarizing actions. The action of dopamine was blocked by the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride, whereas a D1/5 antagonist had no effect. These data suggest that catecholamines evoke strong inhibitory actions on hypocretin neurons and suggest negative feedback from catecholamine cells that may be excited by hypocretin.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2005

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor enhances GABA release probability and nonuniform distribution of N- and P/Q-type channels on release sites of hippocampal inhibitory synapses.

Long-lasting exposures to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) accelerate the functional maturation of GABAergic transmission in embryonic hippocampal neurons, but the molecular bases of this phenomenon are still debated. Evidence in favor of a postsynaptic site of action has been accumulated, but most of the data support a presynaptic site effect. A crucial issue is whether the enhancement of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) induced by BDNF is attributable to an increase in any of the elementary parameters controlling neurosecretion, namely the probability of release, the number of release sites, the readily releasable pool (RRP), and the quantal size. Here, using peak-scaled variance analysis of miniature IPSCs, multiple probability fluctuation analysis, and cumulative amplitude analysis of action potential-evoked postsynaptic currents, we show that BDNF increases release probability and vesicle replenishment with little or no effect on the quantal size, the number of release sites, the RRP, and the Ca2+ dependence of eIPSCs. BDNF treatment changes markedly the distribution of Ca2+ channels controlling neurotransmitter release. It enhances markedly the contribution of N- and P/Q-type channels, which summed to >100% ("supra-additivity"), and deletes the contribution of R-type channels. BDNF accelerates the switch of presynaptic Ca2+ channel distribution from "segregated" to "nonuniform" distribution. This maturation effect was accompanied by an uncovered increased control of N-type channels on paired-pulse depression, otherwise dominated by P/Q-type channels in untreated neurons. Nevertheless, BDNF preserved the fast recovery from depression associated with N-type channels. These novel presynaptic BDNF actions derive mostly from an enhanced overlapping and better colocalization of N- and P/Q-type channels to vesicle release sites.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Metabotropic P2Y purinoceptor-mediated presynaptic and postsynaptic enhancement of cerebellar GABAergic transmission.

Cerebellar GABAergic inhibitory transmission is under heterosynaptic control mediated by diverse chemical messengers. Here, we investigated roles of metabotropic P2Y purinoceptors (P2YRs) on GABAergic synapses between cerebellar interneurons and Purkinje cells (PCs). Activation of P2Y purinoceptors by two selective agonists, ADP and 2-methylthio-ADP (2MeSADP), elicited two distinct forms of synaptic plasticity of GABAergic transmission in the cerebellar cortex. First, the two agonists induced long-lasting enhancement of stimulation-evoked GABAergic IPSCs as well as GABA(A) receptor currents in PCs. This effect was completely abolished by intracellular infusion of the Ca2+-chelating agent BAPTA. Measurements of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) dynamics showed that puff application of 2MeSADP produced an increase in [Ca2+]i of PCs and that this increase persisted in an external Ca2+-deficient medium. These results suggest that P2Y activation postsynaptically elicits long-term enhancement of GABA(A) receptor sensitivity of PCs through a Gq-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i. The other action of P2YR agonists on cerebellar GABAergic synapses was that they produced a short-term increase in the frequency and the amplitude of spontaneous GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs in PCs in a manner sensitive to a P2Y1R antagonist, N6-methyl 2'-deoxyadenosine 3',5'-bisphosphate. This action appeared to be attributable to an excitability increase in presynaptic GABAergic interneurons, because ADP excited all Lugaro cells examined and some of interneurons in the molecular layer. These results suggest that activation of cerebellar P2Y purinoceptors leads to modulation of GABAergic transmission in different spatial and temporal domains, namely short-term and long-term plasticity through presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms at interneuron-->PC inhibitory synapses in the rat cerebellar cortex.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione↗
PubMed2006

Dopamine D3 receptors regulate GABAA receptor function through a phospho-dependent endocytosis mechanism in nucleus accumbens.

The dopamine D3 receptor, which is highly enriched in nucleus accumbens (NAc), has been suggested to play an important role in reinforcement and reward. To understand the potential cellular mechanism underlying D3 receptor functions, we examined the effect of D3 receptor activation on GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated current and inhibitory synaptic transmission in medium spiny neurons of NAc. Application of PD128907 [(4aR,10bR)-3,4a,4,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol hydrochloride], a specific D3 receptor agonist, caused a significant reduction of GABAAR current in acutely dissociated NAc neurons and miniature IPSC amplitude in NAc slices. This effect was blocked by dialysis with a dynamin inhibitory peptide, which prevents the clathrin/activator protein 2 (AP2)-mediated GABAA receptor endocytosis. In addition, the D3 effect on GABAAR current was prevented by agents that manipulate protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Infusion of a peptide derived from GABAAR beta subunits, which contains an atypical binding motif for the clathrin AP2 adaptor complex and the major PKA phosphorylation sites and binds with high affinity to AP2 only when dephosphorylated, diminished the D3 regulation of IPSC amplitude. The phosphorylated equivalent of the peptide was without effect. Moreover, PD128907 increased GABAAR internalization and reduced the surface expression of GABAA receptor beta subunits in NAc slices, which was prevented by dynamin inhibitory peptide or cAMP treatment. Together, our results suggest that D3 receptor activation suppresses the efficacy of inhibitory synaptic transmission in NAc by increasing the phospho-dependent endocytosis of GABAA receptors.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

Dopamine modulates use-dependent plasticity of inhibitory synapses.

The release of the hormones oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) into the circulation is dictated by the electrical activity of hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs). In the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), MNC neuronal activity is exquisitely sensitive to changes in input from inhibitory GABAergic synapses. To explore the hypothesis that efficacy at these synapses is dictated by the rate at which a given synapse is activated, we obtained whole-cell recordings from MNCs in postnatal day 21-27 male Sprague Dawley rat brain slices. IPSCs were elicited by electrically stimulating GABAergic projections from either the suprachiasmatic nucleus or putative interneuron populations immediately ventral to the fornix at 5, 10, 20, and 50 Hz. Short-term plasticity was observed at 88% of the synapses tested. Of this group, synaptic depression was observed in 58%, and synaptic facilitation was observed in 41%. Identification of cells using a combined electrophysiological and immunohistochemical approach revealed a strong correlation between cell phenotype and the nature of the plasticity. Short-term facilitation was observed preferentially in OT cells (86%), whereas short-term depression was predominant in VP neurons (69%). We next examined the effects of dopamine, which increases MNC excitability, on short-term plasticity. Activation of presynaptic D(4) receptors decreased the frequency of miniature IPSCs and prevented the development of synaptic depression at higher rates of activity. Synaptic facilitation, however, was unaffected by dopamine. These findings demonstrate that, by lowering GABA release probability, dopamine confers high-pass filtering properties to the majority of inhibitory synapses onto MNCs in PVN.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2006

Impaired feedforward inhibition of the thalamocortical projection in epileptic Ca2+ channel mutant mice, tottering.

The tottering (tg) mice have a mutation in the CaV2.1 (P/Q-type) voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel alpha(1)2.1 subunit gene. tg mice show not only cerebellar ataxia but also absence epilepsy, which begins at approximately 3 weeks of age and persists throughout life. Similarities in EEG and sensitivity to antiepileptic drugs suggest that tg mice are a good model for human absence epilepsy. Although imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory activity in the thalamocortical network is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of absence epilepsy, the effect of the mutation on thalamocortical synaptic responses remains unknown. Here we showed imbalanced impairment of inhibitory synaptic responses in tg mice using brain slice preparations. Somatosensory thalamocortical projection makes not only monosynaptic glutamatergic connections but also disynaptic GABAergic connections, which mediate feedforward inhibition, onto layer IV neurons. In tg mice, IPSC amplitudes recorded from layer IV pyramidal cells of the somatosensory cortex in response to thalamic stimulation became disproportionately reduced compared with EPSC amplitudes at later developmental stages (postnatal days 21-30). Similar results were obtained by local stimulation of layer IV pyramidal neurons. However, IPSC reduction was not seen in layer V pyramidal neurons of epileptic tg mice or in layer IV pyramidal neurons of younger tg mice before the onset of epilepsy (postnatal days 14-16). These results showed that the feedforward inhibition from the thalamus to layer IV neurons of the somatosensory cortex was severely impaired in tg mice and that the impairment of the inhibitory synaptic transmission was correlated to the onset of absence epilepsy.

6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione↗
PubMed1983

Electrogenesis of the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia.

The ionic mechanisms of the slow surface positive (P)-potential and the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP), an intracellularly recorded P-potential in sympathetic ganglia, were analysed by means of sucrose-gap, intracellular microelectrode techniques, and voltage clamp technique. Both the P-potential and the slow IPSP consist of two different potential components, namely the ouabain-sensitive and the ouabain-insensitive components. The ouabain-sensitive component was enhanced by a moderate conditioning hyperpolarization. This component was most reasonably explained as a potential change generated by an activation of the electrogenic Na+ pump. The ouabain-insensitive potential component of the P-potential and the slow IPSP decreased in the amplitude and finally reversed its polarity by conditioning hyperpolarization. The reversal potential of ouabain-insensitive component of slow IPSP and slow inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) was close to the EK. The amplitude of ouabain-insensitive component of P-potential and slow IPSP was markedly decreased by an elevation of external K+ concentration. The reversal potential of ouabain-insensitive component shifted to a more positive potential level in high K+ Ringer's solution. On the other hand, it was augmented in K+-free Ringer's solution. A reduction of the membrane resistance was observed during the generation of the slow IPSP, when the membrane potential of ganglion cells was held at a membrane potential level more negative than -60 mV. The slow IPSC recorded by voltage-clamp method was associated with an increase in membrane conductance. It was concluded that the ouabain-insensitive component was generated by an activation of K+ conductance.

Animals↗