scholarly journals Modulation of NMDA Receptor Properties and Synaptic Transmission by the NR3A Subunit in Mouse Hippocampal and Cerebrocortical Neurons

2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Tong ◽  
Hiroto Takahashi ◽  
Shichun Tu ◽  
Yeonsook Shin ◽  
Maria Talantova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nmda Receptor ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Mammalian Cell Lines ◽  
Induced Currents ◽  
Channel Properties ◽  
Two Populations

Expression of the NR3A subunit with NR1/NR2 in Xenopus oocytes or mammalian cell lines leads to a reduction in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced currents and decreased Mg2+ sensitivity and Ca2+ permeability compared with NR1/NR2 receptors. Consistent with these findings, neurons from NR3A knockout (KO) mice exhibit enhanced NMDA-induced currents. Recombinant NR3A can also form excitatory glycine receptors with NR1 in the absence of NR2. However, the effects of NR3A on channel properties in neurons and synaptic transmission have not been fully elucidated. To study physiological roles of NR3A subunits, we generated NR3A transgenic (Tg) mice. Cultured NR3A Tg neurons exhibited two populations of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channels, reduced Mg2+ sensitivity, and decreased Ca2+ permeability in response to NMDA/glycine, but glycine alone did not elicit excitatory currents. In addition, NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in NR3A Tg hippocampal slices showed reduced Mg2+ sensitivity, consistent with the notion that NR3A subunits incorporated into synaptic NMDARs. To study the function of endogenous NR3A subunits, we compared NMDAR-mediated EPSCs in NR3A KO and WT control mice. In NR3A KO mice, the ratio of the amplitudes of the NMDAR-mediated component to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor-mediated component of the EPSC was significantly larger than that seen in WT littermates. This result suggests that NR3A subunits contributed to the NMDAR-mediated component of the EPSC in WT mice. Taken together, these results show that NR3A subunits contribute to NMDAR responses from both synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors, likely composed of NR1, NR2, and NR3 subunits.

scholarly journals Effect of Xenon on Excitatory and Inhibitory Transmission in Rat Spinal Ventral Horn Neurons

2012 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 1025-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Yamamoto ◽  
Hiroyuki Honda ◽  
Hiroshi Baba ◽  
Tatsuro Kohno
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Propionic Acid ◽  
Minimum Alveolar Concentration ◽  
Ventral Horn ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Aspartate Receptor ◽  
Induced Currents ◽  
Spinal Lamina

Background The minimum alveolar concentration is determined in the spinal cord rather than in the brain. Xenon inhibits glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn neurons. However, its actions in the ventral horn neurons have not been investigated. Methods The effects of 50 or 75% xenon on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission were examined in the spinal lamina IX neurons of neonatal rats by using a whole cell patch clamp technique. Results Fifty percent xenon inhibited the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid-induced currents (amplitudes = 72 ± 9% and integrated area = 73 ± 13% of the control values), and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor-mediated electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (amplitudes = 69 ± 13% of the control values). Seventy-five percent xenon similarly inhibited α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid-induced currents. However, xenon had no effect on the N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced currents or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents. Xenon decreased the amplitude, but not the frequency, of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. There were no discernible effects on the currents induced by γ-aminobutyric acid or glycine or on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Conclusions Xenon inhibits α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor-mediated glutamatergic excitatory transmission in the spinal lamina IX neurons via a postsynaptic mechanism. In contrast, there are no substantial effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated or inhibitory synaptic transmission. The suppressive effects on excitatory synaptic transmission in the ventral horn neurons partly account for the mechanism behind xenon's ability to produce immobility in response to noxious stimuli and to determine the minimum alveolar concentration.

Development of Excitatory Circuitry in the Hippocampus

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 2013-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Y. Hsia ◽  
Robert C. Malenka ◽  
Roger A. Nicoll
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Excitatory Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Developmental Strategy ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Quantal Size ◽  
Physiological Approach ◽  
Local Circuitry

Hsia, Albert Y., Robert C. Malenka, and Roger A. Nicoll. Development of excitatory circuitry in the hippocampus. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2013–2024, 1998. Assessing the development of local circuitry in the hippocampus has relied primarily on anatomic studies. Here we take a physiological approach, to directly evaluate the means by which the mature state of connectivity between CA3 and CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells is established. Using a technique of comparing miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) to EPSCs in response to spontaneously occurring action potentials in CA3 cells, we found that from neonatal to adult ages, functional synapses are created and serve to increase the degree of connectivity between CA3-CA1 cell pairs. Neither the probability of release nor mean quantal size was found to change significantly with age. However, the variability of quantal events decreases substantially as synapses mature. Thus in the hippocampus the developmental strategy for enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission does not appear to involve an increase in the efficacy at individual synapses, but rather an increase in the connectivity between cell pairs.

scholarly journals Influences of Morphine on the Spontaneous and Evoked Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents in Lateral Amygdala of Rats

2016 ◽  
pp. 165-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-J. ZHANG ◽  
X.-D. LIU ◽  
L.-C. YU
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Excitatory Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Morphine Treatment ◽  
Lateral Amygdala ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Acute morphine exposure induces antinociceptive activity, but the underlying mechanisms in the central nervous system are unclear. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings, we explore the role of morphine in the modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission in lateral amygdala neurons of rats. The results demonstrate that perfusion of 10 μM of morphine to the lateral amygdala inhibits the discharge frequency significantly. We further find that there are no significant influences of morphine on the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). Interestingly, morphine shows no marked influence on the evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) in the lateral amygdala neurons. These results indicate that acute morphine treatment plays an important role in the modulation on the excitatory synaptic transmission in lateral amygdala neurons of rats.

Effects of Hyposmolar Solutions on Membrane Currents of Hippocampal Interneurons and Mossy Cells In Vitro

1998 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 1108-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott C. Baraban ◽  
Philip A. Schwartzkroin
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Potassium Currents ◽  
Membrane Currents ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Mossy Cells ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents

Baraban, Scott C. and Philip A. Schwartzkroin. Effects of hyposmolar solutions on membrane currents of hippocampal interneurons and mossy cells in vitro. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 1108–1112, 1998. Whole cell voltage-clamp recordings in rat hippocampal slices were used to investigate the effect of changes in extracellular osmolarity on voltage-activated potassium currents. Currents were evoked from oriens/alveus (O/A) interneurons, hilar interneurons, and mossy cells. Hyposmolar external solutions produced a significant potentiation of K+ current recorded from O/A and hilar interneurons, but not from mossy cells. Hyposmolar solutions also dramatically potentiated the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded from mossy cells. These results suggest that hippocampal excitability can be modulated by the complex actions exerted by changes in extracellular osmolarity.

scholarly journals NMDA Receptor Activation Mediates Hydrogen Peroxide–Induced Pathophysiology in Rat Hippocampal Slices

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 2896-2903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marat V. Avshalumov ◽  
Margaret E. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Nmda Receptor ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Glutamate Uptake ◽  
Epileptiform Activity ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Nmda Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Progressive Degeneration

Endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) can act as modulators of neuronal activity, including synaptic transmission. Inherent in this process, however, is the potential for oxidative damage if the balance between ROS production and regulation becomes disrupted. Here we report that inhibition of synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal slices by H2O2 can be followed by electrical hyperexcitability when transmission returns during H2O2 washout. As in previous studies, H2O2exposure (15 min) reversibly depressed the extracellular population spike (PS) evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation. Recovery of PS amplitude, however, was typically accompanied by mild epileptiform activity. Inclusion of ascorbate (400 μM) during H2O2 washout prevented this pathophysiology. No protection was seen with isoascorbate, which is a poor substrate for the stereoselective ascorbate transporter and thus remains primarily extracellular. Epileptiform activity was also prevented by the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, dl-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) during H2O2washout. Once hyperexcitability was induced, however, AP5 did not reverse it. When present during H2O2 exposure, AP5 did not alter PS depression by H2O2but did inhibit the recovery of PS amplitude seen during pulse-train stimulation (10 Hz, 5 s) in H2O2. Inhibition of glutamate uptake by l- trans-2,4-pyrrolidine dicarboxylate (PDC; 50 μM) during H2O2washout markedly enhanced epileptiform activity; coapplication of ascorbate with PDC prevented this. These data indicate that H2O2 exposure can cause activation of normally silent NMDA receptors, possibly via inhibition of redox-sensitive glutamate uptake. When synaptic transmission returns during H2O2 washout, enhanced NMDA receptor activity leads to ROS generation and consequent oxidative damage. These data reveal a pathological cycle that could contribute to progressive degeneration in neurological disorders that involve oxidative stress, including cerebral ischemia.

Enhancement of Whole Cell Synaptic Currents by Low Osmolarity and by Low [NaCl] in Rat Hippocampal Slices

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 2349-2359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Huang ◽  
Daniel F. Bossut ◽  
George G. Somjen
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Time Constant ◽  
Hippocampal Slices ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Tissue Slices ◽  
Synaptic Currents ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Input Capacitance ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Inward Currents

Huang, Rong, Daniel F. Bossut, and George G. Somjen. Enhancement of whole cell synaptic currents by low osmolarity and by low [NaCl] in rat hippocampal slices. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2349–2359, 1997. We recorded whole cell currents of patch-clamped neurons in stratum pyramidale of CA1 region of rat hippocampal tissue slices. Synaptic currents were evoked by orthodromic stimulation while holding potential of the neuron was varied from hyperpolarized to depolarized levels. Extracellular osmolarity (πo) was lowered by superfusion with artificial cerebrospinal fluid in which NaCl concentration ([NaCl]) was reduced. The effect of low extracellular NaCl was tested in additional trials in which NaCl was substituted by isosmolar fructose. Both lowering of πo and isosmotic lowering of extracellular [NaCl] ([NaCl]o) caused reversible increase of excitatory postsynaptic currents. The effect of lowering πo was concentration dependent, and it was significantly stronger than the effect of equivalent isosmotic lowering of [NaCl]o. Inhibitory postsynaptic currents also increased in many but not in all cases. Lowering of πo caused a prolongation of the time constant of relaxation of the capacitive charging current induced by small hyperpolarizing voltage steps. A virtual input capacitance, calculated by dividing this time constant by the input resistance, increased during hypotonic exposure. Isosmotic lowering of [NaCl]o had no effect on time constant or input capacitance. Depolarizing voltage commands evoked spikelike inward currents presumably representing Na+-dependent action potentials generated outside the voltage-clamped region of the cell. These current spikes became smaller in low πo and in low [NaCl]o. Broader, voltage-dependent, presumably Ca2+-mediated inward currents became more prominent during hypotonic exposure. We conclude that lowering of [NaCl]o causes enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission. Transmission may be facilitated by the uptake of Ca2+ into presynaptic terminals as well as into postsynaptic target neurons, induced by the low [NaCl]o. Lowering of πo enhances synaptic transmission more than does a corresponding isosmotic lowering of [NaCl]. The excess increase recorded from the cell soma in low πo may in part be due to changing electrotonic length caused by the swelling of dendrites.

scholarly journals TRPV1 channels contribute to spontaneous glutamate release in nucleus tractus solitarii following chronic intermittent hypoxia

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 881-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
David D. Kline ◽  
Sheng Wang ◽  
Diana L. Kunze
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Nucleus Tractus Solitarii ◽  
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Epsc Amplitude ◽  
Postsynaptic Currents ◽  
Transient Receptor

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) reduces afferent-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) but enhances basal spontaneous (s) and asynchronous (a) EPSCs in second-order neurons of nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS), a major area for cardiorespiratory control. The net result is an increase in synaptic transmission. The mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown. The N-type calcium channel and transient receptor potential cation channel TRPV1 play prominent roles in nTS sEPSCs and aEPSCs. The functional role of these channels in CIH-mediated afferent-evoked EPSC, sEPSC, and aEPSC was tested in rat nTS slices following antagonist inhibition and in mouse nTS slices that lack TRPV1. Block of N-type channels decreased aEPSCs in normoxic and, to a lesser extent, CIH-exposed rats. sEPSCs examined in the presence of TTX (miniature EPSCs) were also decreased by N-type block in normoxic but not CIH-exposed rats. Antagonist inhibition of TRPV1 reduced the normoxic and the CIH-mediated increase in sEPSCs, aEPSCs, and mEPSCs. As in rats, in TRPV1+/+ control mice, aEPSCs, sEPSCs, and mEPSCs were enhanced following CIH. However, none were enhanced in TRPV1−/− null mice. Normoxic tractus solitarii (TS)-evoked EPSC amplitude, and the decrease after CIH, were comparable in control and null mice. In rats, TRPV1 was localized in the nodose-petrosal ganglia (NPG) and their central branches. CIH did not alter TRPV1 mRNA but increased its protein in NPG consistent with an increased contribution of TRPV1. Together, our studies indicate TRPV1 contributes to the CIH increase in aEPSCs and mEPSCs, but the CIH reduction in TS-EPSC amplitude occurs via an alternative mechanism. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides information on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increase in synaptic transmission that leads to exaggerated sympathetic nervous and respiratory activity at baseline and in response to low oxygen. We demonstrate that the CIH increase in asynchronous and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and miniature EPSCs, but not decrease in afferent-driven EPSCs, is dependent on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1). Thus TRPV1 is important in controlling nucleus tractus solitarii synaptic activity during CIH.

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