Prior short-term synaptic disinhibition facilitates long-term potentiation and suppresses long-term depression at CA1 hippocampal synapses

Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are two main forms of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity that have been extensively studied as the putative mechanisms underlying learning and memory. Current studies have demonstrated that prior synaptic activity can influence the subsequent induction of LTP and LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Here, we show that prior short-term synaptic disinhibition induced by type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor antagonist picrotoxin exhibited a facilitation of LTP induction and an inhibition of LTD induction. This effect lasted between 10 and 30 min after washout of picrotoxin and was specifically inhibited by the L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channel (VOCC) blocker nimodipine, but not by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphopentanoic acid (D-APV). Moreover, this picrotoxin-induced priming effect was mimicked by forskolin, an activator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and was blocked by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ 22536) and the PKA inhibitor Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate (Rp-cAMPS). It was also found that following picrotoxin application, CA1 neurons have a higher probability of synchronous discharge in response to a population of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) of fixed slope (EPSP/spike potentiation). However, picrotoxin treatment did not significantly affect paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). These findings suggest that a brief of GABAergic disinhibition can act as a priming stimulus for the subsequent induction of LTP and LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. The increase in Ca2+ influx through L-type VOCCs in turn triggering a cAMP/PKA signalling pathway is a possible molecular mechanism underlying this priming effect.     

mGluR1-mediated facilitation of long-term potentiation at inhibitory synapses on a cerebellar Purkinje neuron

Synaptic plasticity has been studied extensively at excitatory synapses, whereas studies on plasticity at GABAergic inhibitory synapses have been limited. In the rat cerebellar cortex, postsynaptic depolarization of a Purkinje neuron (PN) induces long-term potentiation of GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) responsiveness (termed rebound potentiation; RP). Induction of RP requires an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and resultant activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). We previously reported that GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R) activation coupled with depolarization suppresses RP induction by facilitating protein phosphatase 1 (PP-1)-mediated inhibition of CaMKII through down-regulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Here, we examined the involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1) in RP regulation. RP was monitored with the amplitudes of either the current responses to GABA or miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents recorded from a PN in a primary culture or in a cerebellar slice. Inhibition of mGluR1 by an antagonist, 7(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate-ethyl-ester (CPCCOEt), prevented RP induction, which was abolished either by activation of adenylyl cyclase or by inhibition of PP-1. Furthermore, mGluR1 inhibition impaired depolarization-induced CaMKII activation. By contrast, activation of mGluR1 by the agonist (R,S)3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) rescued RP induction from its suppression by GABA(B)R activation. The rescue was impaired either by inhibition of PKA or by facilitation of PP-1 activity. In addition, mGluR1 activation counteracted the GABA(B)R-mediated CaMKII inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that mGluR1 activity counteracts GABA(B)R activity and contributes to RP induction through PKA activation, down-regulation of PP-1 and up-regulation of CaMKII.     

Imaging LTP of presynaptic release of FM1-43 from the rapidly recycling vesicle pool of Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices

Recent studies using the styryl dye FM1-43 and two-photon microscopy to directly visualize transmitter release at CA3-CA1 excitatory synapses in the hippocampus have demonstrated that activity-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression are associated with alterations in vesicular release. It is not known whether particular vesicle pools preferentially express these alterations or what second messenger cascades are involved. To address these questions, we selectively loaded FM1-43 into the rapidly recycling pool (RRP) of vesicles by use of a brief hypertonic shock to release and load the RRP. We demonstrate here that the induction of LTP can lead to a selective long-lasting enhancement in presynaptic release from the RRP, while reserve pool kinetics remain unchanged. LTP of RRP release was N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-dependent and also required production of the intercellular messenger NO and activation of receptor tyrosine kinase. Measurement of FM1-43 stimulus-evoked uptake rates following induction of LTP confirmed that LTP produces more rapid recycling of vesicles released by electrical stimulation, consistent with an enhanced release probability from the RRP.     

Possible regulatory role of dendritic spikes in induction of long-term potentiation at hippocampal schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses

The amplitude of backpropagating action potentials (BAPs) is attenuated, either activity- or neurotransmitter-dependently in the apical dendrite of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. To test the possibility that this BAP attenuation may contribute to regulating the inducibility of long-term potentiation (LTP), BAPs evoked by theta-burst stimulation (TBS), a standard protocol for LTP induction, to apical dendrite synapses were subjected to perturbation by conditioning stimuli to basal dendrite synapses. During this conditioned TBS (cTBS), the amplitude of BAPs was noticeably attenuated, but that of somatic action potentials was not. In the distal dendrite area, cTBS-induced LTP was much smaller than that induced by TBS. By contrast, no difference was observed between TBS- and cTBS-induced LTP in the proximal dendrite area. These findings suggest that the activity-dependent attenuation of BAPs, propagating along the apical dendrite, may serve to regulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity.     

Plasticity of synaptic glun receptors is required for the Src‐dependent induction of long‐term potentiation at CA3‐CA1 synapses

The induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) of CA3‐CA1 synapses requires activation of postsynaptic N‐methyl‐D ‐aspartate receptors (GluNRs). At resting potential, the contribution of GluNRs is limited by their voltage‐dependent block by extracellular Mg²⁺. High‐frequency afferent stimulation is required to cause sufficient summation of excitatory synaptic potentials (EPSPs) to relieve this block and to permit an influx of Ca²⁺. It has been assumed that this relief of Mg²⁺ block is sufficient for induction. We postulated that the induction of LTP also requires a Src‐dependent plasticity of GluNRs. Using whole‐cell recordings, LTP (GluARs) of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors‐EPSCS was induced by pairing postsynaptic depolarization with presynaptic stimulation. This LTP was both GluNR and Src‐dependent, being sensitive to AP‐5, a GluNR selective antagonist, or to SU6656, a Src‐selective inhibitor. When CNQX was used to block all GluARs, we observed a long‐lasting potentiation of GluNR‐mediated EPSCs. This plasticity was prevented by transiently blocking GluNRs during the induction protocol or by chelating intracellular Ca²⁺. GluNRs plasticity was also prevented by bath applications of SU6656 or intracellular applications of the Src‐selective inhibitory peptide, Src(40–58). It was also blocked by preventing activation of protein kinase C, a kinase that is upstream of Src‐kinase‐dependent regulation of GluNRs. Both GluN2A and GluN2B receptors were found to contribute to the plasticity of GluNRs. The contribution of GluNRs and, in particular, their plasticity to the maintenance of LTP was explored using AP5 and SU6656, respectively. When applied >20 min after induction neither drug influenced the magnitude of LTP. However, when applied immediately after induction, treatment with either drug caused the initial magnitude of LTP to progressively decrease to a sustained phase of reduced amplitude. Collectively, our findings suggest that GluNR plasticity, although not strictly required for induction, is necessary for the maintenance of a nondecrementing component of LTP. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Platelet-activating factor receptor is not required for long-term potentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region

From pharmacological studies, platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been proposed as a retrograde messenger for long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region. We re-examined a possible contribution of PAF to LTP with a more specific approach using mice deficient in the PAF receptor. The PAF receptor-deficient mice exhibited normal LTP and showed no obvious abnormality in excitatory synaptic transmission. We also performed pharmacological experiments on the wild-type mice. Two structurally different antagonists of PAF receptors had no effects on LTP. Furthermore, the application of PAF itself caused no detectable changes in excitatory synaptic transmission. Thus, we conclude that the PAF receptor is not required for LTP in the CA1 region. Introduction     

Changes in the hippocampal slices energy metabolism following stimulation and long-term potentiation of Schaffer collaterals-pyramidal cell synapses tested with the 2-deoxyglucose technique

Changes in the neuron metabolism in the hippocampal slices following stimulation and potentiation (induction of increase of the evoked extracellular potential) of Schaffer collaterals-pyramidal cell synapses were tested with 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) technique. 2DG uptake was used as an index of glucose utilization. Stimulation evoked calcium- and frequency-dependent increase in [³H]2DG uptake. Potentiation of the synaptic response increased [³H]2DG accumulation but only when potentiated synapses were pressed to be active. It is suggested that stimulation-dependent increase in [³H]2DG uptake is mainly related to neurotransmission. Potentiation-dependent increase of [³H]2DG uptake is probably due to phosphorylation (inhibition) of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PHD). Inactivation of PDH may partially change the nerve endings metabolism from the aerobic pathway into anaerobic. To get the same amount of energy after potentiation as before, the nerve endings have to increase the rate of metabolism.     

A distinct impact of repeated morphine exposure on synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral-CA1, temporoammonic-CA1, and perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus

We aimed to study how morphine affects synaptic transmission in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions along the hippocampal long axis. For this, recording and measuring of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were utilized to test the effects of repeated morphine exposure on paired-pulse evoked responses and long-term potentiation (LTP) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 (Sch-CA1), temporoammonic-CA1 (TA-CA1) and perforant pathway-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapses in transverse slices from the dorsal (DH), intermediate (IH), and ventral (VH) hippocampus in adult male rats. After repeated morphine exposure, the expression of opioid receptors and the α1 and α5 GABA_A subunits were also examined. We found that repeated morphine exposure blunt the difference between the DH and the VH in their basal levels of synaptic transmission at Sch-CA1 synapses that were seen in the control groups. Significant paired-pulse facilitation of excitatory synaptic transmission was observed at Sch-CA1 synapses in slices taken from all three hippocampal segments as well as at PP-DG synapses in slices taken from the VH segment in the morphine-treated groups as compared to the control groups. Interestingly, significant paired-pulse inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission was observed at TA-CA1 synapses in the DH slices from the morphine-treated group as compared to the control group. While primed-burst stimulation (a protocol reflecting normal neuronal firing) induced a robust LTP in hippocampal subfields in all control groups, resulting in a decaying LTP at TA-CA1 synapses in the VH slices and at PP-DG synapses in both the IH and VH slices taken from the morphine-treated rats. In the DH of morphine-treated rats, we found increased levels of the mRNAs encoding the α1 and α5 GABA_A subunits as compared to the control group. Taken together, these findings suggest the potential mechanisms through which repeated morphine exposure causes differential changes in circuit excitability and synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions along the hippocampal long axis.     

Endogenous Zn(2+) is required for the induction of long-term potentiation at rat hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapses

The functional role of the abundant Zn(2+) found in some hippocampal synapses has been an enigma. We show here, using N-[6-methoxy-8-quinolyl]-P-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ) staining, that chelatable-Zn(2+) can be removed from hippocampal synaptic boutons using dietary depletion or with Zn(2+) chelators. A chronic dietary deficiency of bouton Zn(2+) resulted in the impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses. The averaged normalized fEPSP slope 30 min after tetanus was 209 +/- 28% of baseline value in control (mean +/- SEM, n = 10), and 118 +/- 12% in Zn(2+)-deficient rats (mean +/- SEM, n = 12, P < 0.01). In the deficient rats with Zn(2+) supplements, mossy fiber LTP returned to normal levels. The acute depletion of bouton Zn(2+) in the hippocampal slice with membrane-permeable Zn(2+) chelators, dithizone, or diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DEDTC) blocked the induction of mossy fiber LTP. The mean amplitudes of EPSCs after tetanus were 194 +/- 22% of baseline value in control (n = 5), compared to 108 +/- 14% in dithizone (n = 6) and 101 +/- 12% in DEDTC (n = 5). The averaged value of LTP, at the associational commisural fiber-CA3 synapses, was 193 +/- 20% in the control (n = 6), compared to 182 +/- 21% (n = 6, P > 0.1) in the presence of dithizone. The blockade of mossy fiber LTP by dithizone was reversible after washout. In addition, normal LTP could be induced by tetanus if exogenous Zn(2+) was applied immediately following dithizone. Our results indicate that the endogenous Zn(2+) is specifically required for LTP induction at the mossy fiber input into CA3 neurons.     

Effect of arsenic-containing hydrocarbon on the long-term potentiation at Schaffer Collateral-CA1 synapses from infantile male rat

Arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHCs) are common constituents of marine organisms and have potential toxicity to human health. This work is to study the effect of AsHCs on long-term potentiation (LTP) for the first time. A multi-electrode array (MEA) system was used to record the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) of CA1 before and after treatment with AsHC 360 in hippocampal slices from infantile male rats. The element content of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and As in the hippocampal slices were analyzed by elemental mass spectrometry after the neurophysiological experiment. The results showed that low AsHC 360 (1.5 μg As L⁻¹) had no effect on the LTP, moderate AsHC 360 (3.75−15 μg As L⁻¹) enhanced the LTP, and high AsHC 360 (45−150 μg As L⁻¹) inhibited the LTP. The enhancement of the LTP by promoting Ca²⁺ influx was proved by a Ca²⁺ gradient experiment. The inhibition of the LTP was likely due to damage of synaptic cell membrane integrity. This study on the neurotoxicity of AsHCs showed that high concentrations have a strong toxic effect on the LTP in hippocampus slices of the infantile male rat, which may lead to a negative effect on the development, learning, and memory.     

Frequency-dependent requirement for calcium store-operated mechanisms in induction of homosynaptic long-term depression at hippocampus CA1 synapses

For induction of long-term depression (LTD), mechanisms dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and on intracellular calcium stores have been separately known. How these two mechanisms coexist at the same synapses is not clear. Here, induction of LTD at hippocampal Schaffer collateral-to-CA1 pyramidal cell synapses was shown to depend on NMDARs throughout the theoretically predicted activation range for LTD induction. With stimulation at 1 Hz, the largest LTD was induced in a store-independent manner. With stimulation at 0.5 and 2.0 Hz the induced LTD was much smaller, and dependence on calcium stores appeared. Under caffeine application, an enlarged LTD was induced with 0.5 Hz stimulation. Postsynaptic blockade of ryanodine receptors prevented this caffeine-induced enhancement of LTD. It is therefore suggested that calcium release from calcium stores facilitated by caffeine contributed to the LTD enhancement, and that the caffeine effect was exerted on the postsynaptic side. Induction of this enhanced LTD was resistant to NMDAR blockade. We thus propose that the store-dependent mechanism for LTD induction is dormant at the centre of the theoretically predicted activation range for LTD induction, but operates at the fringes of this activation range, with its contribution more emphasized when ample calcium release occurs.     

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 is required for long-term potentiation, memory consolidation, and neurogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Although substantial evidence supports the view that adult neurogenesis is involved in learning and memory, how newly generated neurons contribute to the cognitive process remains unknown. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is known to stimulate the proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) in adult brain. Using conditional knockout mice that lack brain expression of FGFR1, a major receptor for FGF-2, we have investigated the role of adult neurogenesis in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. METHODS: The Fgfr1 conditional knockout mice were generated by crossing the Fgfr1-null line, the Fgfr1-flox line, and the Nestin-Cre transgenic mice. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, slice electrophysiology, and Morris Water Maze experiments were performed with the Fgfr1 conditional mutant mice. RESULTS: Bromodeoxyuridine labeling experiments demonstrate that FGFR1 is required for the proliferation of NPCs as well as generation of new neurons in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). Moreover, deficits in neurogenesis in Fgfr1 mutant mice are accompanied by a severe impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the medial perforant path (MPP)-granule neuron synapses in the hippocampal dentate. Moreover, the Fgfr1 mutant mice exhibit significant deficits in memory consolidation but not spatial learning. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a critical role of FGFR1 in adult neurogenesis in vivo, provides a potential link between proliferative neurogenesis and dentate LTP, and raises the possibility that adult neurogenesis might contribute to memory consolidation.     

Emergence of NMDAR-independent long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses following early adolescent exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol: role for sigma-receptors

Adolescent humans who abuse alcohol are more vulnerable than adults to the development of memory impairments. Memory impairments often involve modifications in the ability of hippocampal neurons to establish long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory neurotransmission; however, few studies have examined how chronic ethanol exposure during adolescence affects LTP mechanisms in hippocampus. We investigated changes in LTP mechanisms in hippocamal slices from rats exposed to intoxicating concentrations of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapors in their period of early-adolescent (i.e., prepubescent) or late-adolescent (i.e., postpubescent) development. LTP was evaluated at excitatory CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices at 24 h after the cessation of air (control) or CIE vapor treatments. CA1 synapses in control slices showed steady LTP following induction by high-frequency stimulation, which was fully dependent on NMDAR function. By contrast, slices from early-adolescent CIE exposed animals showed a compound form of LTP consisting of an NMDAR-dependent component and a slow-developing component independent of NMDARs. These components summated to yield LTP of robust magnitude above LTP levels in age-matched control slices. Bath-application of the sigma-receptor antagonist BD1047 and the neuroactive steroid pregnenolone sulfate, but not acute ethanol application, blocked NMDAR-independent LTP, while leaving NMDAR-dependent LTP intact. Analysis of presynaptic function during NMDAR-independent LTP induction demonstrated increased presynaptic function via a sigma-receptor-dependent mechanism in slices from early-adolescent CIE-exposed animals. By contrast, CIE exposure after puberty onset in late-adolescent animals produced decrements in LTP levels. The identification of a role for sigma-receptors and neuroactive steroids in the development of NMDAR-independent LTP suggests an important pathway by which hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and perhaps memory, may be uniquely altered by chronic ethanol exposure during the prepubescent phase of adolescent development.     

Response of Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapses of the hippocampus to analogues of acidic amino acids

Analogues of the putative excitatory transmitters aspartic acid and glutamic acid were tested for antagonism against stimulus-evoked activation of Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapses in slices of rat hippocampus. Responses to the analogues, applied via the superfusing medium, were extracellularly recorded. The compounds examined includedd- andl-α-aminodicar☐ylic acids, diamonodicar☐ylic acids, phosphonate analogues of acidic amino acids,d andl-γ-glutamyl glycine, and the cis- and trans-isomers of piperidine 2,3-, and 2,4-dicar☐ylic acid. Many of these compounds are known to be potent and selective antagonists for excitatory amino acids and a few excitatory pathways.In this hippocampal pathway most of these analogues showed relatively low and similar potency. The most potent antagonist uncontaminated with agonist activity wasd-α-aminosuberate, with an apparent antagonist dissociation constant (K_d of 3 mM. Only 5 of the analogues, 3 of the piperidine dicar☐ylates, kainic acid, andl-α-aminopimelic acid, reduced the amplitude of the extracellularly recorded field potentials more than 30% at 0.5 mM. However, all of the others reduced the potential by more than 30% at 5 mM. Most analogues also evoked extracellular responses whoch can be attributed to depolarization of the pyramidal neurons. Agonist activity was particularly strong among the most potent analogues.These results contrast with the responses documented by others for the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor of the dorsal-ventral root excitatory pathway of the spinal cord in which the higher homologues tested here were the most potent antagonists, and thed-isomers were more potent than thel-isomoers. It also contrasts with the response of the perforant path synapses to granule cells of the dentate gyrus in which the portion derived from the lateral entorhinal cortex is sensitive tol-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid. Thus the Schaffer-CA1 pyramidal cell synaptic field utilizes a novel excitatory transmitter receptor which interacts detectably but only weakly with a variety of acidic amino acids with potent specific inhibitory action for receptors elsewhere in the central nervous system.     

COX-2, but not COX-1, activity is necessary for the induction of perforant path long-term potentiation and spatial learning in vivo

The objectives of this research were to investigate the role played by the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in learning and memory, synaptic plasticity and synaptic transmission in the rat brain in vivo . Male Wistar rats were treated with isoform-selective inhibitors for COX-1 and COX-2, either chronically and tested in the watermaze or acutely before electrophysiological recordings were made. We found a significant impairment in acquisition of the watermaze with inhibition of COX-2. Furthermore, we found COX-2 but not COX-1 inhibition significantly blocked long-term potentiation (LTP) induction but had no effect on already established LTP. Moreover, exogenous replacement of the main metabolite of COX-2 activity, PGE₂, was sufficient to restore LTP induction and for normal downstream signalling to ensue, namely extracellular signalling-regulated kinase (ERK)-phosphorylation and c-FOS expression. We conclude that endogenous basal levels of PGE₂ resulting from COX-2 but not COX-1 activity are necessary for synaptic plasticity and memory acquisition.     

Steroid pregnenolone sulfate enhances NMDA-receptor-independent long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses: role for L-type calcium channels and sigma-receptors

Severe stress elevates plasma and CNS levels of endogenous neuroactive steroids that can contribute to the influence of stress on memory formation. Among the neuroactive steroids, pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) reportedly strengthens memories and is readily available as a memory-enhancing supplement. PREGS actions on memory may reflect its ability to produce changes in memory-related neuronal circuits, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory transmission in hippocampus. Here, we report a previously undiscovered pathway by which PREGS exposure promotes activity-dependent LTP of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices. Thus, application of PREGS, but not the phosphated conjugate of the steroid, selectively facilitates the induction of a slow-developing LTP in response to high-frequency (100 Hz) afferent stimulation, which is not induced in the absence of the steroid. The slow-developing LTP is independent of NMDA-receptor function (i.e., dAP5 insensitive) but dependent on functional L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) and sigma-receptors. By contrast, PREGS at the highest concentration tested produces a depression in NMDA-receptor-dependent LTP, which is evident when sigma-receptor function is compromised by the presence of a sigma-receptor antagonist. We found that at early times during the induction phase of L-type VGCC-dependent LTP, PREGS via sigma-receptors transiently enhances presynaptic function. As well, during the maintenance phase of L-type VGCC-dependent LTP, PREGS promotes a further increase in presynaptic function downstream of LTP induction, as evidenced by a decrease in paired-pulse facilitation. The identification of complex regulatory actions of PREGS on LTP, involving sigma-receptors, L-type VGCCs, NMDA-receptors, and inhibitory circuits will aid future research endeavors aimed at understanding the precise mechanisms by which this stress-associated steroid may engage multiple LTP-signaling pathways that alter synaptic transmission at memory-related synapses.     

GABA能去抑制水平的变化对海马CAl突触长时程增强的影响

目的 研究改变中间神经元GABA能抑制水平对海马CA1区突触长时程增强(LTP)的影响.同时获得不同浓度Bicuculline阻断GABAA受体介导抑制以及影响海马CA1区突触可塑性详细信息. 方法 应用膜片钳全细胞记录技术记录成年小鼠海马脑片上自发的微小的抑制性突触后电位(mIPSC)和诱发的前馈抑制性突触后电流(IPSC),使用细胞外电生理方法 记录刺激Schaffer侧枝诱发的CA1区辐射层场的兴奋性突触后电位(fEPSP],测量不同浓度Bicuculline对mIPSC、IPSC和fEPSP的作用,以及它们对小鼠海马脑片CA1区突触LTP的影响. 结果 10μmol/L、20μmol/L Bicuculline可以减弱mIPSC和IPSC抑制性突触电流,且20 μmol/L Bicuculline作用更明显;20μmol/L Bicuculline可以明显提高fEPSP的斜率,而5 μmol/L和10 μmol/LBicuculline没有明显作用;5 μmol/L、10 μmol/L、20μmol/L和50μmol/L Bicuculline组100赫兹强直刺激诱发后的fEPSP平均斜率均值都大于对照组,但仅10 μmol/L、20 μmol/L两组相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05). 结论 Bicuculline可以减弱GABAA受体介导的抑制以及增加场的fEPSP斜率,并且Bicuculline阻断GABA能抑制到一个关键水平才可以增强海马CA1区突触的LTP.     

An epigenetic induction of a right-shift in hippocampal asymmetry: selectivity for short- and long-term potentiation but not post-tetanic potentiation

In humans, it is well established that major psychological functions are asymmetrically represented between the left and right cerebral cortices. The developmental origin of such functional lateralization remains unknown. Using the rat as a model system, we examined whether exposing neonates briefly to a novel environment can differentially affect synaptic plasticity in the left and right hippocampi during adulthood. During the first 3 weeks of life, one half of the pups from a litter spent 3 min daily away from their familiar home environment (Novel) while their littermates remained in that familiar environment (Home). At adulthood (7-months old), post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs), a very short-lasting form of plasticity, was greater among the Novel than the Home rats in both left and right hippocampi. In contrast, the novelty-induced increases in short- and long-term potentiation (STP, LTP), two relatively longer-lasting forms of plasticity, were found only in the right hippocampus. These findings demonstrate that a phase-selective asymmetry in hippocampal synaptic plasticity can be induced epigenetically by seemingly small systematic differences in early life environment. The selectivity of this asymmetry for the longer-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity suggests that the observed asymmetry in plasticity may contribute specifically to an asymmetric learning process which, in turn, may contribute to a functional asymmetry in the neocortex.     

Role of taurine uptake on the induction of long-term synaptic potentiation

Taurine application in the CA1 area of rat hippocampal slices induces a long-lasting potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission that has some mechanistic similitude with the late phase of long-term potentiation (L-LTP). Previous indirect evidence such as temperature and sodium dependence indicated that taurine uptake is one of the primary steps leading to the taurine-induced synaptic potentiation. We show that taurine-induced potentiation is not related to the intracellular accumulation of taurine and is not impaired by 2-guanidinoethanesulphonic acid, a taurine transport inhibitor that is a substrate of taurine transporter. We have found that taurine uptake in hippocampal synaptosomes was inhibited by SKF 89976A, a GABA uptake blocker that is not transportable by GABA transporters. SKF 89976A prevents the induction of synaptic potentiation by taurine application. This effect is neither mimicked by nipecotic acid, a broad inhibitor of GABA transporters that does not affect taurine uptake, nor by NO-711, a specific and potent inhibitor of GABA transporter GAT-1. In addition, L-LTP induced by trains of high-frequency stimulation is also inhibited by SKF 89976A, and taurine, at a concentration that does not change basal synaptic transmission, overcomes such inhibition. We conclude that taurine induces synaptic potentiation through the activation of a system transporting taurine and that taurine uptake is required for the induction of synaptic plasticity phenomena such as L-LTP.     

Astrocyte calcium signals at Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapses correlate with the number of activated synapses but not with synaptic strength

Glial cells respond to neuronal activity by transient increases in their intracellular calcium concentration. At hippocampal Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapses, such activity-induced astrocyte calcium transients modulate neuronal excitability, synaptic activity, and LTP induction threshold by calcium-dependent release of gliotransmitters. Despite a significant role of astrocyte calcium signaling in plasticity of these synapses, little is known about activity-dependent changes of astrocyte calcium signaling itself. In this study, we analyzed calcium transients in identified astrocytes and NG2-cells located in the stratum radiatum in response to different intensities and patterns of Schaffer collateral stimulation. To this end, we employed multiphoton calcium imaging with the low-affinity indicator dye Fluo-5F in glial cells, combined with extracellular field potential recordings to monitor postsynaptic responses to the afferent stimulation. Our results confirm that somata and processes of astrocytes, but not of NG2-cells, exhibit intrinsic calcium signaling independent of evoked neuronal activity. Moderate stimulation of Schaffer collaterals (three pulses at 50 Hz) induced calcium transients in astrocytes and NG2-cells. Astrocyte calcium transients upon this three-pulse stimulation could be evoked repetitively, increased in amplitude with increasing stimulation intensity and were dependent on activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Activity-induced transients in NG2-cells, in contrast, showed a rapid run-down upon repeated three-pulse stimulation. Theta burst stimulation and stimulation for 5 min at 1 Hz induced synaptic potentiation and depression, respectively, as revealed by a lasting increase or decrease in population spike amplitudes upon three-pulse stimulation. Synaptic plasticity was, however, not accompanied by corresponding alterations in the amplitude of astrocyte calcium signals. Taken together, our results suggest that the amplitude of astrocyte calcium signals reflects the number of activated synapses but does not correlate with the degree of synaptic potentiation or depression at Schaffer collateral to CA1 pyramidal cell synapses.