神经降压素对大鼠脊髓背角胶状质内突触前神经递质释放的影响

目的:研究内源性神经肽神经降压素(neurotensin,NT)在脊髓背角胶状质(substantia gelatinosa,SG)内对突触前神经递质释放的影响。方法:采用全细胞电压膜片钳记录方法,在脊髓薄片上观察NT对SG内微小兴奋性突触后电流(mEPSCs)和微小抑制性突触后电流(mIPSCs)的频率和幅值的影响。结果:(1)灌流NT(2μmol/L)对SG内神经元mEPSCs的频率和幅值均无明显影响,说明NT不影响SG内兴奋性神经递质的释放;(2)灌流NT(2μmol/L)能增加SG内神经元mIPSCs的频率,但对幅值无明显影响,即NT可引起突触前抑制性神经递质的释放增加,但对突触后神经元无明显影响。结论:NT可通过增加SG内抑制性神经递质释放的途径抑制伤害性信息的传递,从而实现镇痛效应。     

大鼠脊髓背角内吗啡肽阳性终末与μ阿片受体阳性神经元的突触联系

目的观察大鼠脊髓背角内吗啡肽阳性终末与μ阿片受体阳性神经元的突触联系.方法包埋前内吗啡肽免疫组织化学方法结合包埋前μ阿片受体免疫金颗粒标记的免疫电镜双标技术.结果内吗啡肽阳性终末以及μ阿片受体阳性胞体、纤维和终末主要分布于脊髓背角浅层（Ⅰ、Ⅱ层）;在电镜下可见二氨基联苯胺（DAB）反应产物标记的内吗啡肽阳性终末与免疫金颗粒标记的μ阿片受体阳性神经元胞体及其树突之间形成以非对称性为主的突触联系,其中的轴-树突触明显多于轴-体突触. 结论脊髓背角浅层内内吗啡肽与μ阿片受体阳性结构在分布方式上互相匹配,这种分布方式为其在外周痛信息传递的过程中发挥镇痛效应提供了形态学基础.     

内源性大麻素配体NADA在大鼠脊髓背角的镇痛作用

目的:探讨内源性大麻素配体NADA对脊髓背角II层胶状质(SG)神经元突触兴奋性的影响及其在神经病理性痛模型上的镇痛作用。方法:利用膜片钳技术,观察NADA(40μmol/L)对SG神经元自发性兴奋性突触后电流(sEPSC)及背根诱发兴奋性突触后电流(eEPSC)的影响。制备脊神经结扎(SNL)模型,观察鞘内注射20μgNADA对机械性缩足反射阈值(PWMT)的影响。结果:通过作用于CB1受体,NADA可以显著抑制由Aδ纤维及C纤维介导单突触eEPSC的幅值,并且显著减低sEPSC频率而对其幅度无改变。在神经病理性痛模型中,与对照侧相比,NADA可以显著增加手术侧机械缩足反射阈值(P0.0001),而溶剂组则无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:内源性大麻素配体NADA能够抑制脊髓背角浅层Aδ纤维及C纤维介导的突触传递,并且可以减轻实验动物的神经病理性疼痛。     

一种新的内源性阿片类物质——内吗啡肽

新近的研究发现,脑内存在着能与μ阿片受体特异性结合的内源性配体,其性能类似吗啡,故被命名为内吗啡肽(endomorphine,EM).本文简述了近两年来对EM的研究状况.其中包括EM对μ受体作用机制的影响,EM的生理功能,以及利用EM对μ受体有高亲和力的特征的研究等.这些资料可为进一步证实EM是受体的天然配体奠定一定的基础.     

内吗啡肽2和μ型阿片受体在正常猕猴脊髓背角和背根神经节中的分布

目的:观察内吗啡肽2(endomorphin-2,EM2)和μ型阿片受体(MOR)在猕猴脊髓腰段第4-6节段(L4-L6)背角及相应节段背根神经节(dorsal root ganglion,DRG)中的形态学分布特点。方法:取1只成年猕猴的L4-L6段脊髓并留取相应节段的DRG置于固定液中。脊髓冷冻水平切片(30μm)平均分为2组,分别行Nissl染色和荧光免疫组织化学染色,再于光学显微镜下观察;DRG平均分为4组,分别行荧光免疫组织化学染色、免疫组织化学染色和对照组处理,再于光学显微镜下观察。结果:(1)在猕猴脊髓背角浅层,EM2和MOR阳性终末密集分布,且EM2和MOR大量共存;(2)在猕猴DRG中,EM2和MOR集中分布在中型(20μm直径≤40μm)、小型神经元(直径≤20μm),且EM2和MOR大量共存。结论:本研究为进一步研究猕猴在内的灵长类动物中EM2和MOR的作用机制提供了形态学依据。     

脊髓的内吗啡肽参与外周炎症诱发的镜像痛(英文)

为了观察内源性抗伤害性系统在外周炎症诱发的镜像痛中的作用,本研究在大鼠一侧足底皮下注射完全弗氏佐剂(CFA),在损伤位点诱发出持续1～72h的热痛敏和机械性异常痛觉;CFA注射后1～24h在对侧诱发出机械异常痛觉,即镜像痛。为了进一步探讨内源性抗伤害系统对镜像痛的调节作用,用三个剂量(0.2μg,2μg,20μg)的内吗啡肽2(EM2)以及20μg的EM1分别在CFA注射前10min经鞘内给药。结果显示三个剂量的EM2均可明显反转CFA诱发的镜像机械阈值降低,而EM1对此没有作用。上述结果提示来源于内源性抗伤害性系统的EM2,而不是EM1,在脊髓阶段可能对外周组织炎症诱发的镜像机械异常痛觉发挥抑制性作用。     

氯胺酮在大鼠脊髓背角胶状质内对突触前神经递质释放的影响

为探讨临床有效浓度的氯胺酮(ketamine,KTM)在脊髓背角胶状质(substansia gelatinosa,SG)内对突触前神经递质释放的影响及其作用机制,本研究应用红外可视神经组织薄片全细胞膜片钳记录方法,在电压钳模式下,观察了KTM对自发性抑制性和兴奋性突触后电流(spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents,sIPSCs and sEPSCs)的频率和幅值的影响。结果显示:(1)钳制电压在0mV时,在人工脑脊液(artificial cerebrospinal fluid,ACSF)中加入10-5mol/LAP-V和10-6mol/LCNQX,可记录到sIPSCs。将此时记录到的频率和幅值都作为前对照组的基础值(100%)。给予10-4mol/LKTM后,与前对照组相比,sIPSCs频率为127.93%±25.17%(P<0.05),幅值为104.78%±11.35%(P>0.05,n=7);(2)钳制电压为-70mV时,在ACSF中加入3×10-7mol/L士的宁和10-6mol/L荷包牡丹碱后,可观察到sEPSCs。加入10-4mol/LKTM后,与前对照组相比,sEPSCs的频率和幅值分别为97.89%±4.06%和101.63%±7.66%(P>0.05,n=8)。以上结果提示:(1)KTM增加了sIPSCs的频率,而对幅值没有明显影响,即KTM引起突触前抑制性神经递质的释放增加,而对突触后神经元的作用不明显;(2)KTM对sEPSCs的频率和幅值均未见明显影响,说明KTM在SG内对兴奋性神经递质的释放无显著影响。由此我们推测KTM在脊髓SG内主要通过增强抑制性信息传递发挥作用,KTM增强SG内突触前抑制性神经递质释放可能与其在脊髓背角发挥麻醉和镇痛作用有关。     

内源性大麻素类似物NAGly对大鼠脊髓胶状质神经元的突触传递的抑制作用

目的:探讨内源性大麻素类似物N-花生四烯酰甘氨酸(N-arachidonylglycine,NAGly)对脊髓后角II层胶状质(SG)神经元突触兴奋性的影响。方法:选用生后4~6周雄性SD大鼠,深麻醉后蔗糖人工脑脊液快速心脏灌注处死,取脊髓腰膨大段,制备保留脊髓腰膨大处一侧后根的脊髓矢状切片。利用膜片钳技术,对脊髓后角II层SG神经元进行全细胞记录,通过分析后根刺激诱发的兴奋性突触后电流(eEPSC)的变化情况,观察NAGly(20μmol/L)对SG神经元突触传递兴奋性的影响,以及对自发性兴奋性突触后电流(sEPSC)的发放频率及幅度的影响。结果:通过诱发刺激的强度、潜伏期以及纤维传导速度我们将记录到的SG神经元分为Aδ纤维/C纤维投射神经元,NAGly对Aδ纤维和C纤维介导的eEPSC的幅度都有明显的抑制作用(P0.001),并且这种作用可以被洗脱。NAGly对SG神经元的sEPSC的频率有明显的抑制,但不明显改变其幅度,提示其作用部位在突触前。结论:内源性大麻素类似物NAGly可以抑制脊髓后角浅层Aδ纤维及C纤维介导的突触传递,并通过突触前机制抑制SG神经元的兴奋性。提示内源性大麻素类似物NAGly可通过抑制伤害性C和A纤维介导的突触传递发挥镇痛作用。     

琥珀酸在海马CA1区对突触前GABA释放的影响

为了观察琥珀酸在大鼠海马CA1区对突触前GABA释放的影响,我们采用红外可视全细胞膜片钳技术记录了琥珀酸对γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)能自发性微小抑制性突触后电流(miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents,mIPSCs)的作用。结果显示不同浓度的琥珀酸(10-6mol/L、10-5mol/L、10-4mol/L和10-3mol/L)在海马CA1区均能以浓度依赖的方式增强GABA能mIPSCs的频率,而对其电流幅度没有影响。10-4mol/L琥珀酸组GABA能mIPSCs的频率为2.25±0.99Hz,与正常对照组相比有显著性差异(n=8,P<0.01),而其电流幅度为31.63±6.16pA,与正常对照组相比没有差异(n=8,P>0.05)。以上实验结果表明琥珀酸能通过增强突触前GABA的自发性释放,对海马CA1区神经元产生超极化作用,此作用可能是琥珀酸抑制癫痫形成的主要方式之一。     

硫酸软骨素蛋白多糖对视皮层γ-氨基丁酸能神经元表达及其抑制性突触传递功能的影响

目的:通过体外观察硫酸软骨素蛋白多糖(CSPGs)对γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)能神经元表达及其抑制性突触传递功能的影响,为探索CSPGs抑制视皮层可塑性的机制提供实验依据。方法:运用硫酸软骨素酶(ChABC)处理体外培养的胎鼠视皮层神经元,降解其CSPGs后应用免疫荧光显色检测CSPGs降解情况及GABA能神经元的表达变化,并用膜片钳检测其自发性微小性抑制性突触后电流(mIPSCs)以观察其抑制性突触传递功能变化情况。结果:0.1 U/ml ChABC处理神经元后,CSPGs被成功降解,GABA能神经元细胞密度、mIPSCs幅度和频率均显著低于正常对照组。结论:CSPGs能促进GABA能神经元表达及其抑制性突触传递功能的成熟,这可能是CSPGs抑制视皮层可塑性的作用机制之一。     

Miniature postsynaptic currents recorded from identified rat spinal dorsal horn projection neurons in thin-slice preparations.

Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were made from spinothalamic and spinomesencephalic tract neurons in thin-slice preparations of rat spinal cord. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, spontaneous inward and outward postsynaptic currents were observed near the resting membrane potential. These currents were divided into miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) mediated by glutamate, and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) mediated by glycine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Glutamatergic mEPSCs had two components mediated by NMDA and non-NMDA receptors. Analyzing these miniature synaptic currents, valuable information concerning the pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms underlying modulation of synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn could be obtained.     

Regulation of synaptic input to hypothalamic presympathetic neurons by GABA(B) receptors

The hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) neurons projecting to the spinal cord and brainstem play an important role in the control of homeostasis and the sympathetic nervous system. Although GABA(B) receptors are present in the PVN, their function in the control of synaptic inputs to PVN presympathetic neurons is not clear. Using retrograde tracing and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in rat brain slices, we determined the role of presynaptic GABA(B) receptors in regulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to spinally projecting PVN neurons. The GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (1-50 microM) dose-dependently decreased the frequency but not the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). The effect of baclofen on sEPSCs and sIPSCs was completely blocked by 10 microM CGP52432, a selective GABA(B) receptor antagonist. Baclofen also significantly reduced the frequency of both miniature excitatory and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs). Furthermore, uncoupling pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o) proteins with N-ethylmaleimide abolished baclofen-induced inhibition of mEPSCs and mIPSCs. However, the inhibitory effect of baclofen on the frequency of mIPSCs and mEPSCs persisted in the presence of either Cd2+, a voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker, or 4-aminopyridine, a blocker of voltage-gated K+ channels. Our results suggest that activation of presynaptic GABA(B) receptors inhibits synaptic GABA and glutamate release to PVN presympathetic neurons. This presynaptic action of GABA(B) receptors is mediated by the N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive G(i/o) proteins, but independent of voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels.     

Ethanol dual modulatory actions on spontaneous postsynaptic currents in spinal motoneurons

Recently we have shown that acute ethanol (EtOH) exposure suppresses dorsal root-evoked synaptic potentials in spinal motoneurons. To examine the synaptic mechanisms underlying the reduced excitatory activity, EtOH actions on properties of action potential-independent miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs) were studied in spinal motoneurons of newborn rats. Properties of mEPSCs generated by activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and non-NMDA receptors and of mIPSCs mediated by glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptors (GlyR and GABA(A)R) were examined during acute exposure to 70 and 200 mM EtOH. In the presence of 70 mM EtOH, the frequency of NMDAR- and non-NMDAR-mediated mEPSCs decreased to 53 +/- 5 and 45 +/- 7% (means +/- SE) of control values, respectively. In contrast, the frequency of GlyR- and GABA(A)R-mediated mIPSCs increased to 138 +/- 15 and 167 +/- 23% of control, respectively. Based on the quantal theory of transmitter release, changes in the frequency of miniature currents are correlated with changes in transmitter release, suggesting that EtOH decreased presynaptic glutamate release and increased the release of both glycine and GABA. EtOH did not change the amplitude or rise and decay times of either mEPSCs or mIPSCs, indicating that the presynaptic changes were not associated with changes in the properties of postsynaptic receptors/channels. Acute exposure to 200 mM EtOH increased mIPSC frequency two- to threefold, significantly higher than the increase induced by 70 mM EtOH. However, the decrease in mEPSC frequency was similar to that observed in 70 mM EtOH. Those findings implied that the regulatory effect of EtOH on glycine and GABA release was dose-dependent. Exposure to the higher EtOH concentration had opposite actions on mEPSC and mIPSC amplitudes: it attenuated the amplitude of NMDAR- and non-NMDAR-mediated mEPSCs to ~80% of control and increased GlyR- and GABA(A)R-mediated mIPSC amplitude by ~20%. EtOH-induced changes in the amplitude of postsynaptic currents were not associated with changes in their basic kinetic properties. Our data suggested that in spinal networks of newborn rats, EtOH was more effective in modulating the release of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters than changing the properties of their receptors/channels.     

High ratio of synaptic excitation to synaptic inhibition in hilar ectopic granule cells of pilocarpine-treated rats

After experimental status epilepticus, many dentate granule cells born into the postseizure environment migrate aberrantly into the dentate hilus. Hilar ectopic granule cells (HEGCs) have also been found in persons with epilepsy. These cells exhibit a high rate of spontaneous activity, which may enhance seizure propagation. Electron microscopic studies indicated that HEGCs receive more recurrent mossy fiber innervation than normotopic granule cells in the same animals but receive much less inhibitory innervation. This study used hippocampal slices prepared from rats that had experienced pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus to test the hypothesis that an imbalance of synaptic excitation and inhibition contributes to the hyperexcitability of HEGCs. Mossy fiber stimulation evoked a much smaller GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSC) in HEGCs than in normotopic granule cells from either control rats or rats that had experienced status epilepticus. However, recurrent mossy fiber-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of similar size were recorded from HEGCs and normotopic granule cells in status epilepticus-experienced rats. HEGCs exhibited the highest frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and the lowest frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) of any granule cell group. On average, both mEPSCs and mIPSCs were of higher amplitude, transferred more charge per event, and exhibited slower kinetics in HEGCs than in granule cells from control rats. Charge transfer per unit time in HEGCs was greater for mEPSCs and much less for mIPSCs than in the normotopic granule cell groups. A high ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synaptic function probably accounts, in part, for the hyperexcitability of HEGCs.     

Somatostatin directly inhibits substantia gelatinosa neurons in adult rat spinal dorsal horn in vitro

Effects of somatostatin (SST) on the synaptic transmission to substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of adult spinal cord slices were investigated using intracellular recording and blind whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Bath application of SST (1 microM) induced the membrane hyperpolarization that was accompanied by a decrease in input resistance and had the reversal potential of -92 +/- 3 mV (n=5) in the intracellular recording experiment. In patch-clamp experiment, SST (1 microM) induced an outward current with amplitude of 14 +/- 2 pA (n=60) at the holding potential of -60 mV, and was not affected by TTX (n=3). The effect was dose-dependent with EC50 value of 0.82 microM (Hill coefficient: 0.89). The outward current was suppressed when the patch-pipette solution containing potassium channel blockers, Cs+ and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and was inhibited by Ba2+ (200 microM) to 15 +/- 6% of the control (n=3). In addition, the SST current reversed its polarity at potential close to the equilibrium potential of K+ channel calculated by the Nernst equation. No significant changes were found in amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and dorsal root evoked EPSC (eEPSC) by SST. Also, SST did not affect both of the miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs), mediated by either the GABA or glycine receptor. We conclude that SST activates the K+ channel resulting in postsynaptic hyperpolarization in adult rat SG neurons without affecting presynaptic component of the transmission, which are considered to account, at least a part, for the analgesic effects of SST reported previously.     

Nitric oxide inhibits spinally projecting paraventricular neurons through potentiation of presynaptic GABA release

Nitric oxide (NO) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is involved in the regulation of the excitability of PVN neurons. However, the effect of NO on the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic inputs to spinally projecting PVN neurons has not been studied specifically. In the present study, we determined the role of the inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic inputs in the inhibitory action of NO on spinally projecting PVN neurons. Spinally projecting PVN neurons were retrogradely labeled by a fluorescent dye, 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocasbocyane (DiI), injected into the spinal cord of rats. Whole cell voltage- and current-clamp recordings were performed on DiI-labeled PVN neurons in the hypothalamic slice. The spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) recorded in DiI-labeled neurons were abolished by 20 microM bicuculline, whereas the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were eliminated by 20 microM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Bath application of an NO donor, 100 microM S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP), or the NO precursor, 100 microM L-arginine, both significantly increased the frequency of mIPSCs of DiI-labeled PVN neurons, without altering the amplitude and the decay time constant of mIPSCs. The effect of SNAP and L-arginine on the frequency of mIPSCs was eliminated by an NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxypheny)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, and an NO synthase inhibitor, 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl) imidazole, respectively. Neither SNAP nor L-arginine significantly altered the frequency and the amplitude of mEPSCs. Under current-clamp conditions, 100 microM SNAP or 100 microM L-arginine significantly decreased the discharge rate of the DiI-labeled PVN neurons, without significantly affecting the resting membrane potential. On the other hand, 20 microM bicuculline significantly increased the impulse activity of PVN neurons. In the presence of bicuculline, SNAP or L-arginine both failed to inhibit the firing activity of PVN neurons. This electrophysiological study provides substantial new evidence that NO suppresses the activity of spinally projecting PVN neurons through potentiation of the GABAergic synaptic input.     

Action-potential-independent GABAergic tone mediated by nicotinic stimulation of immature striatal miniature synaptic transmission

Stimulation of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) increases the frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic activity (mEPSCs) to a point where they can promote cell firing in hippocampal CA3 neurons. We have evaluated whether nicotine regulation of miniature synaptic activity can be extended to inhibitory transmission onto striatal medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) in acute brain slices. Bath application of micromolar nicotine typically induced 12-fold increases in the frequency of miniature inhibitory synaptic currents (mIPSCs). Little effect was observed on the amplitude of mIPSCs or mEPSCs under these conditions. Nicotine stimulation of mIPSCs was dependent on entry of extracellular calcium because removal of calcium from perfusate was able to block its action. To assess the potential physiological significance of the nicotine-stimulated increase in mIPSC frequency, we also examined the nicotine effect on evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs). eIPSCs were markedly attenuated by nicotine. This effect could be attributed to two potential mechanisms: transmitter depletion due to extremely high mIPSC rates and/or a reduction in presynaptic excitability associated with nicotinic depolarization. Treatment with low concentrations of K(+) was able to in part mimic nicotine's stimulatory effect on mIPSCs and inhibitory effect on eIPSCs. Current-clamp recordings confirmed a direct depolarizing action of nicotine that could dampen eIPSC activity leading to a switch to striatal inhibitory synaptic transmission mediated by tonic mIPSCs.     

Excitatory synaptic transmission in the spinal substantia gelatinosa is under an inhibitory tone of endogenous adenosine

Exogenous adenosine produces potent synaptic inhibition in spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG), a region involved in nociceptive and thermoreceptive mechanisms. To examine the possibility that endogenous adenosine tonically modulates excitatory synaptic transmission in spinal SG, whole-cell, voltage-clamp recordings were made from SG neurons in adult rat spinal cord slices. In all SG neurons sensitive to exogenous adenosine, the adenosine uptake inhibitor, NBTI, mimics adenosine's inhibitory actions on dorsal root evoked EPSCs (eEPSCs) and miniature spontaneous EPSCs (mEPSCs). These inhibitory effects were antagonized by A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, DPCPX. DPCPX also potentates eEPSCs in those SG neurons in which adenosine or adenosine A1 receptor agonists (CHA, CCPA) suppressed eEPSCs. DPCPX often increases mEPSC frequency without altering mEPSC amplitude, suggesting presynaptic action on adenosine A1 receptors. Selective A2 (DMPX) and A2a (ZM 241385) adenosine receptor antagonists had no or minimal effects upon either eEPSCs or mEPSCs. The adenosine degrading enzyme, adenosine deaminase, mimicked the effects of DPCPX on the mEPSC frequency. We conclude that the excitatory synaptic transmission in the spinal SG is under an inhibitory tone of endogenous adenosine through the activation of A1 receptors. The present results suggested that the background activity of A1 receptors in the spinal SG might be contributed to setting the physiological “noceceptive thresholds”.     

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor signaling dichotomously modulates inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in rat inner retina

In the inner retina, ganglion cells (RGCs) integrate and process excitatory signal from bipolar cells (BCs) and inhibitory signal from amacrine cells (ACs). Using multiple labeling immunohistochemistry, we first revealed the expression of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) at the terminals of ACs and BCs in rat retina. By patch-clamp techniques, we then showed how the activation of this receptor dichotomously regulated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), mediated by GABA_A receptors and glycine receptors, and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), mediated by AMPA receptors, of RGCs in rat retinal slices. WIN55212-2 (WIN), a CB1R agonist, reduced the mIPSC frequency due to an inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels no matter whether AMPA receptors were blocked. In contrast, WIN reduced the mEPSC frequency by suppressing T-type Ca²⁺ channels only when inhibitory inputs to RGCs were present, which could be in part due to less T-type Ca²⁺ channels of cone BCs, presynaptic to RGCs, being in an inactivation state under such condition. This unique feature of CB1R-mediated retrograde regulation provides a novel mechanism for modulating excitatory synaptic transmission in the inner retina. Moreover, depolarization of RGCs suppressed mIPSCs of these cells, an effect that was eliminated by the CB1R antagonist SR141716, suggesting that endocannabinoid is indeed released from RGCs.