scholarly journals Activation of Ih and TTX-sensitive sodium current at subthreshold voltages during CA1 pyramidal neuron firing

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 2376-2389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Yamada-Hanff ◽  
Bruce P. Bean
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Time Constant ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Sodium Current ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Hcn Channels ◽  
Dynamic Clamp ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons

We used dynamic clamp and action potential clamp techniques to explore how currents carried by tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels and HCN channels ( Ih) regulate the behavior of CA1 pyramidal neurons at resting and subthreshold voltages. Recording from rat CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices, we found that the apparent input resistance and membrane time constant were strongly affected by both conductances, with Ih acting to decrease apparent input resistance and time constant and sodium current acting to increase both. We found that both Ih and sodium current were active during subthreshold summation of artificial excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) generated by dynamic clamp, with Ih dominating at less depolarized voltages and sodium current at more depolarized voltages. Subthreshold sodium current—which amplifies EPSPs—was most effectively recruited by rapid voltage changes, while Ih—which blunts EPSPs—was maximal for slow voltage changes. The combined effect is to selectively amplify rapid EPSPs. We did similar experiments in mouse CA1 pyramidal neurons, doing voltage-clamp experiments using experimental records of action potential firing of CA1 neurons previously recorded in awake, behaving animals as command voltages to quantify flow of Ih and sodium current at subthreshold voltages. Subthreshold sodium current was larger and subthreshold Ih was smaller in mouse neurons than in rat neurons. Overall, the results show opposing effects of subthreshold sodium current and Ih in regulating subthreshold behavior of CA1 neurons, with subthreshold sodium current prominent in both rat and mouse CA1 pyramidal neurons and additional regulation by Ih in rat neurons.

scholarly journals Estradiol Increases Spine Density and NMDA-Dependent Ca2+ Transients in Spines of CA1 Pyramidal Neurons From Hippocampal Slices

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 1404-1411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas D. Pozzo-Miller ◽  
Takafumi Inoue ◽  
Diane Dieuliis Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Afferent Stimulation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Region

Estradiol increases spine density and NMDA-dependent Ca2+transients in spines of CA1 pyramidal neurons from hippocampal slices. To investigate the physiological consequences of the increase in spine density induced by estradiol in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, we performed simultaneous whole cell recordings and Ca2+ imaging in CA1 neuron spines and dendrites in hippocampal slices. Four- to eight-days in vitro slice cultures were exposed to 17β-estradiol (EST) for an additional 4- to 8-day period, and spine density was assessed by confocal microscopy of DiI-labeled CA1 pyramidal neurons. Spine density was doubled in both apical and basal dendrites of the CA1 region in EST-treated slices; consistently, a reduction in cell input resistance was observed in EST-treated CA1 neurons. Double immunofluorescence staining of presynaptic (synaptophysin) and postsynaptic (α-subunit of CaMKII) proteins showed an increase in synaptic density after EST treatment. The slopes of the input/output curves of both α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) postsynaptic currents were steeper in EST-treated CA1 neurons, consistent with the observed increase in synapse density. To characterize NMDA-dependent synaptic currents and dendritic Ca2+ transients during Schaffer collaterals stimulation, neurons were maintained at +40 mV in the presence of nimodipine, picrotoxin, and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). No differences in resting spine or dendritic Ca2+ levels were observed between control and EST-treated CA1 neurons. Intracellular Ca2+transients during afferent stimulation exhibited a faster slope and reached higher levels in spines than in adjacent dendrites. Peak Ca2+ levels were larger in both spines and dendrites of EST-treated CA1 neurons. Ca2+ gradients between spine heads and dendrites during afferent stimulation were also larger in EST-treated neurons. Both spine and dendritic Ca2+transients during afferent stimulation were reversibly blocked byd,l-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (d,l-APV). The increase in spine density and the enhanced NMDA-dependent Ca2+ signals in spines and dendrites induced by EST may underlie a threshold reduction for induction of NMDA-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.

Electrophysiological changes of CA1 pyramidal neurons following transient forebrain ischemia: an in vivo intracellular recording and staining study

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 1689-1697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. C. Xu ◽  
W. A. Pulsinelli
Keyword(s):  
Firing Rate ◽  
Time Constant ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Spontaneous Firing ◽  
Forebrain Ischemia ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Spontaneous Firing Rate

1. Electrophysiological changes of CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampus were studied before, during 5 min forebrain ischemia, and after reperfusion using in vivo intracellular recording and staining techniques. 2. membrane input resistance of CA1 neurons decreased from 25.98 +/- 7.24 M omega (mean +/- SD, n = 42) before ischemia to 16.33 +/- 6.50 M omega shortly after the onset of ischemia (n = 6, P < 0.01). The input resistance fell to zero during ischemic depolarization and quickly returned to 24.42 +/- 10.36 M omega (n = 11) within 2 h after reperfusion. 3. The time constant of CA1 neurons decreased from 11.49 +/- 5.45 ms (n = 36) to 3.09 +/- 1.66 ms (n = 6, P < 0.01) during ischemia. The time constant remained significantly less than preischemic levels within 2 h after reperfusion (5.40 +/- 2.60 ms, n = 13, P < 0.01) and gradually returned to preischemic levels 4-5 h after reperfusion. 4. The spike height decreased from 91 +/- 10.35 mV (n = 45) before ischemia to 82 +/- 8.00 mV (n = 9, P < 0.05) within 2 h after reperfusion and fully returned to preischemic level 2-5 h after reperfusion. The spike width increased from 1.14 +/- 0.22 ms (n = 45) before ischemia to 1.36 +/- 0.22 ms (n = 9, P < 0.05) within 2 h after reperfusion and remained at this level 4-5 h after reperfusion. 5. The spike threshold significantly increased from -54 +/- 3.93 mV (n = 45) before ischemia to -49 +/- 5.04 mV (n = 8, P < 0.01) within 2 h after reperfusion. The rheobase increased accordingly from 0.34 +/- 0.16 nA (n = 41) to 0.73 +/- 0.26 nA (n = 6, P < 0.01). The spike threshold returned to control levels 4-5 h after reperfusion, while the rheobase was still significantly higher than control levels (0.50 +/- 0.21 nA, n = 16, P < 0.01). 6. The frequency of repetitive firing evoked by depolarizing current pulses was suppressed within 2 h after reperfusion (n = 6, P < 0.01). The spike frequency increased slightly 2-5 h after reperfusion but was still significantly below the control levels (n = 12, P < 0.01). 7. Spontaneous synaptic activities ceased during ischemia and remained depressed shortly after reperfusion. Spontaneous firing rate was 0.47 +/- 0.81 spikes/s (n = 34) before ischemia. No spontaneous firing was detected within 2 h after reperfusion, and the firing rate gradually returned to preischemic levels 2-5 h after reperfusion (0.28 +/- 0.96 spikes/s, n = 15). Neuronal hyperactivity as indicated by an increased spontaneous firing rate was not observed up to 7 h after reperfusion. 8. Stimulation of the contralateral commissural pathway elicited excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) minutes after reperfusion, whereas inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) did not appear until approximately 1 h after reperfusion. Within 2 h after reperfusion, the amplitudes of EPSPs slightly increased compared with those before ischemia, and the duration of EPSPs significantly increased from 18.00 +/- 3.08 ms (n = 5) before ischemia to 26.83 +/- 4.26 ms (n = 6, P < 0.01). The amplitude and duration of EPSPs returned to preischemic levels 4-5 h after reperfusion. 9. Results from the present study indicate that the input resistance and time constant of CA1 pyramidal neurons decrease during cerebral ischemia. After 5 min of forebrain ischemia, the spontaneous neuronal activities, evoked synaptic potentials and excitability of CA1 neurons are transiently suppressed after reperfusion. No hyperactivity was observed up to 7 h after reperfusion.

Resting and Active Properties of Pyramidal Neurons in Subiculum and CA1 of Rat Hippocampus

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 2398-2408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan P. Staff ◽  
Hae-Yoon Jung ◽  
Tara Thiagarajan ◽  
Michael Yao ◽  
Nelson Spruston
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Current Injection ◽  
Synaptic Integration ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Neuronal Membrane ◽  
Similar Action ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons

Action potentials are the end product of synaptic integration, a process influenced by resting and active neuronal membrane properties. Diversity in these properties contributes to specialized mechanisms of synaptic integration and action potential firing, which are likely to be of functional significance within neural circuits. In the hippocampus, the majority of subicular pyramidal neurons fire high-frequency bursts of action potentials, whereas CA1 pyramidal neurons exhibit regular spiking behavior when subjected to direct somatic current injection. Using patch-clamp recordings from morphologically identified neurons in hippocampal slices, we analyzed and compared the resting and active membrane properties of pyramidal neurons in the subiculum and CA1 regions of the hippocampus. In response to direct somatic current injection, three subicular firing types were identified (regular spiking, weak bursting, and strong bursting), while all CA1 neurons were regular spiking. Within subiculum strong bursting neurons were found preferentially further away from the CA1 subregion. Input resistance ( R N), membrane time constant (τm), and depolarizing “sag” in response to hyperpolarizing current pulses were similar in all subicular neurons, while R N and τm were significantly larger in CA1 neurons. The first spike of all subicular neurons exhibited similar action potential properties; CA1 action potentials exhibited faster rising rates, greater amplitudes, and wider half-widths than subicular action potentials. Therefore both the resting and active properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons are distinct from those of subicular neurons, which form a related class of neurons, differing in their propensity to burst. We also found that both regular spiking subicular and CA1 neurons could be transformed into a burst firing mode by application of a low concentration of 4-aminopyridine, suggesting that in both hippocampal subfields, firing properties are regulated by a slowly inactivating, D-type potassium current. The ability of all subicular pyramidal neurons to burst strengthens the notion that they form a single neuronal class, sharing a burst generating mechanism that is stronger in some cells than others.

Intracellular recordings from morphologically identified neurons of the basolateral amygdala

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1350-1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Rainnie ◽  
E. K. Asprodini ◽  
P. Shinnick-Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Time Constant ◽  
Firing Pattern ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Class I ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties

1. Intracellular current-clamp recordings were made from neurons of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) of the rat in the in vitro slice preparation. Neurons were identified morphologically after intracellular injection of biocytin, and the electrophysiological properties and morphological characteristics were correlated. 2. Three distinct morphological subtypes were identified: Class I pyramidal neurons, Class I stellate neurons, and Class II neurons. Each morphological subtype could also be distinguished according to its characteristic electrophysiological properties. 3. Class I pyramidal neurons typically had pyramidal perikarya (cross-sectional area = 245 microns2) with spine-laden apical and basal dendrites. The axon originated from the largest basal dendrite and produced several collaterals that ramified throughout the dendritic arborization of the parent cell. These neurons were characterized electrophysiologically by their higher input resistance (65.6 M omega), long time constant of membrane charging tau 0 (27.8 ms), long duration action potential (half-width = 0.85 ms), and regular firing pattern [1st interspike interval ISI) = 91 ms]. 4. Class I stellate neurons differed morphologically from Class I pyramidal neurons only in the size (cross sectional area = 330 microns 2) and stellate appearance of their perikarya. These neurons had characteristic lower input resistance (40.1 M omega), shorter time constant of membrane charging tau 0 (14.5 ms), shorter duration action potential (half-width = 0.7 ms), and a burst firing pattern (1st ISI = 6.0 ms), all of which were statistically different from Class I pyramidal neurons. 5. Class II neurons were multipolar (cross sectional area = 235 microns 2) and were distinguishable from Class I neurons by the almost complete absence of dendritic spines. Class II neurons were characterized electrophysiologically by a midrange input resistance (58 M omega), intermediate time constant of membrane charging tau 0 (19 ms), intermediate action-potential duration (half-width = 0.77 ms), and a burst firing pattern (1st ISI = 6.0 ms). In contrast to Class I neurons, action-potential firing of Class II neurons did not accommodate in response to prolonged depolarizing current injection. 6. In conclusion, BLA neurons may be characterized by their specific electrophysiological properties as well as by their morphological traits. Therefore, permitting assessment of signal transduction in identified populations of neurons within this nucleus.

Dose-dependent effects of phencyclidine on hippocampal CA1 neurons

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 842-846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter W. Kujtan ◽  
Peter L. Carlen
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Firing Rates ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Similar Dose ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1 ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Dose Dependent

The dose-dependent effects of phencyclidine were examined in guinea pig hippocampal slices using intracellular and extracellular recordings. Orthodromically evoked population potentials from the CA1 cell body layer were enhanced by low doses (0.2–0.4 μM) and depressed by high doses (0.01–10 mM). Medium doses of the drug (2.0–10.0 μM) showed little effect. Intracellular recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons gave similar dose-dependent results. Low doses increased spontaneous firing rates and caused silent cells to fire. Medium doses both increased and decreased firing rates, whereas high doses depressed firing rates. Large transient depolarizing shifts were seen in some phencyclidine-treated cells at medium and high doses. Phencyclidine effects took 15–30 min to develop and were only partially reversible after a washout of up to 1 h.

Enhanced intrinsic excitability and EPSP-spike coupling accompany enriched environment-induced facilitation of LTP in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 1366-1378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Malik ◽  
Sumantra Chattarji
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Intrinsic Excitability ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1 ◽  
The Impact

Environmental enrichment (EE) is a well-established paradigm for studying naturally occurring changes in synaptic efficacy in the hippocampus that underlie experience-induced modulation of learning and memory in rodents. Earlier research on the effects of EE on hippocampal plasticity focused on long-term potentiation (LTP). Whereas many of these studies investigated changes in synaptic weight, little is known about potential contributions of neuronal excitability to EE-induced plasticity. Here, using whole-cell recordings in hippocampal slices, we address this gap by analyzing the impact of EE on both synaptic plasticity and intrinsic excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Consistent with earlier reports, EE increased contextual fear memory and dendritic spine density on CA1 cells. Furthermore, EE facilitated LTP at Schaffer collateral inputs to CA1 pyramidal neurons. Analysis of the underlying causes for enhanced LTP shows EE to increase the frequency but not amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. However, presynaptic release probability, assayed using paired-pulse ratios and use-dependent block of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor currents, was not affected. Furthermore, CA1 neurons fired more action potentials (APs) in response to somatic depolarization, as well as during the induction of LTP. EE also reduced spiking threshold and after-hyperpolarization amplitude. Strikingly, this EE-induced increase in excitability caused the same-sized excitatory postsynaptic potential to fire more APs. Together, these findings suggest that EE may enhance the capacity for plasticity in CA1 neurons, not only by strengthening synapses but also by enhancing their efficacy to fire spikes—and the two combine to act as an effective substrate for amplifying LTP.

On the Origin of the Extracellular Action Potential Waveform: A Modeling Study

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 3113-3128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Gold ◽  
Darrell A. Henze ◽  
Christof Koch ◽  
György Buzsáki
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Dendritic Morphology ◽  
Electrode Position ◽  
Unit Recording ◽  
Extracellular Recordings ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Varied Composition

Although extracellular unit recording is typically used for the detection of spike occurrences, it also has the theoretical ability to report about what are typically considered intracellular features of the action potential. We address this theoretical ability by developing a model system that captures features of experimentally recorded simultaneous intracellular and extracellular recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We use the line source approximation method of Holt and Koch to model the extracellular action potential (EAP) voltage resulting from the spiking activity of individual neurons. We compare the simultaneous intracellular and extracellular recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons recorded in vivo with model predictions for the same cells reconstructed and simulated with compartmental models. The model accurately reproduces both the waveform and the amplitude of the EAPs, although it was difficult to achieve simultaneous good matches on both the intracellular and extracellular waveforms. This suggests that accounting for the EAP waveform provides a considerable constraint on the overall model. The developed model explains how and why the waveform varies with electrode position relative to the recorded cell. Interestingly, each cell's dendritic morphology had very little impact on the EAP waveform. The model also demonstrates that the varied composition of ionic currents in different cells is reflected in the features of the EAP.

Modulation of the Ca2+-Activated K+ Current sI AHP by aPhosphatase-Kinase Balance Under Basal Conditions inRat CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 3252-3256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Pedarzani ◽  
Michael Krause ◽  
Trude Haug ◽  
Johan F. Storm ◽  
Walter Stühmer
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Gradual Decrease ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Firing Properties

Pedarzani, Paola, Michael Krause, Trude Haug, Johan F. Storm, and Walter Stühmer. Modulation of the Ca2+-activated K+ current s I AHP by a phosphatase-kinase balance under basal conditions in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 3252–3256, 1998. The slow Ca2+-activated K+ current, s I AHP, underlying spike frequency adaptation, was recorded with the whole cell patch-clamp technique in CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. Inhibitors of serine/threonine protein phosphatases (microcystin, calyculin A, cantharidic acid) caused a gradual decrease of s I AHP amplitude, suggesting the presence of a basal phosphorylation-dephosphorylation turnover regulating s I AHP. Because selective calcineurin (PP-2B) inhibitors did not affect the amplitude of s I AHP, protein phosphatase 1 (PP-1) or 2A (PP-2A) are most likely involved in the basal regulation of this current. The ATP analogue, ATP-γ-S, caused a gradual decrease in the s I AHP amplitude, supporting a role of protein phosphorylation in the basal modulation of s I AHP. When the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer (Rp-cAMPS) was coapplied with the phosphatase inhibitor microcystin, it prevented the decrease in the s I AHP amplitude that was observed when microcystin alone was applied. Furthermore, inhibition of PKA by Rp-cAMPS led to an increase in the s I AHP amplitude. Finally, an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (SQ22,536) and adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate-specific type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitors (Ro 20–1724 and rolipram) led to an increase or a decrease in the s I AHP amplitude, respectively. These findings suggest that a balance between basally active PKA and a phosphatase (PP-1 or PP-2A) is responsible for the tonic modulation of s I AHP, resulting in a continuous modulation of excitability and firing properties of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Group I mGluRs Increase Excitability of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons by a PLC-Independent Mechanism

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Ireland ◽  
Wickliffe C. Abraham
Keyword(s):  
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Group I ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1 ◽  
Group I Mglurs ◽  
Induced Changes

Previous studies have implicated phospholipase C (PLC)-linked Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in regulating the excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. We used intracellular recordings from rat hippocampal slices and specific antagonists to examine in more detail the mGluR receptor subtypes and signal transduction mechanisms underlying this effect. Application of the Group I mGluR agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) suppressed slow- and medium-duration afterhyperpolarizations (s- and mAHP) and caused a consequent increase in cell excitability as well as a depolarization of the membrane and an increase in input resistance. Interestingly, with the exception of the suppression of the mAHP, these effects were persistent, and in the case of the sAHP lasting for more than 1 h of drug washout. Preincubation with the specific mGluR5 antagonist, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP), reduced but did not completely prevent the effects of DHPG. However, preincubation with both MPEP and the mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 completely prevented the DHPG-induced changes. These results demonstrate that the DHPG-induced changes are mediated partly by mGluR5 and partly by mGluR1. Because Group I mGluRs are linked to PLC via G-protein activation, we also investigated pathways downstream of PLC activation, using chelerythrine and cyclopiazonic acid to block protein kinase C (PKC) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-(IP3)-activated Ca2+ stores, respectively. Neither inhibitor affected the DHPG-induced suppression of the sAHP or the increase in excitability nor did an inhibitor of PLC itself, U-73122. Taken together, these results argue that in CA1 pyramidal cells in the adult rat, DHPG activates mGluRs of both the mGluR5 and mGluR1 subtypes, causing a long-lasting suppression of the sAHP and a consequent persistent increase in excitability via a PLC-, PKC-, and IP3-independent transduction pathway.

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