Ionic mechanisms of cholinergic excitation in mammalian hippocampal pyramidal cells

Complexity decline of hippocampal CA1 circuit model due to cholinergic deficiency associated with Alzheimer's disease

A hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is cholinergic system dysfunction, directly affecting the hippocampal neurons. Previous experiments have demonstrated that reduced complexity is one significant effect of AD on electroencephalography (EEG). Motivated by these, this study explores reduced EEG complexity of cholinergic deficiency in AD by neurocomputation. We first construct a new hippocampal CA1 circuit model with cholinergic action. M-current I M and calcium-activated potassium current I AHP are newly introduced in the model to describe cholinergic input from the medial septum. Then, by enhancing I M and I AHP to mimic cholinergic deficiency, how cholinergic deficiency influences the model complexity is investigated by sample entropy (SampEn) and approximate entropy (ApEn). Numerical results show a more severe cholinergic deficit with lower model complexity. Furthermore, we conclude that the decline of SampEn and ApEn is due to the greatly diminished excitability of model neurons. These suggest that decreased neuronal excitability due to cholinergic impairment may contribute to reduced EEG complexity in AD. Subsequently, statistical analysis between simulated AD patients and normal control (NC) groups demonstrates that SampEn and auto-mutual-information (AMI) decrease rates significantly differ. Compared to NC, AD patients have a lower SampEn and a less negative AMI decline rate. These imply a low rate of new-generation information in AD brains with cholinergic deficits. Interestingly, the statistical correlation between SampEn and AMI is analyzed, and they have a large negative Pearson correlation coefficient. Thus, AMI reduction rates may be a complementary tool for complex analysis. Our modeling and complex analysis are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the reduced EEG complexity resulting from cholinergic deficiency.

Muscarinic Regulation of Spike Timing Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus

Long-term changes in synaptic transmission between neurons in the brain are considered the cellular basis of learning and memory. Over the last few decades, many studies have revealed that the precise order and timing of activity between pre- and post-synaptic cells ("spike-timing-dependent plasticity; STDP") is crucial for the sign and magnitude of long-term changes at many central synapses. Acetylcholine (ACh) via the recruitment of diverse muscarinic receptors is known to influence STDP in a variety of ways, enabling flexibility and adaptability in brain network activity during complex behaviors. In this review, we will summarize and discuss different mechanistic aspects of muscarinic modulation of timing-dependent plasticity at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus to shape learning and memory.

Dynamics analysis of the hippocampal neuronal model subjected to cholinergic action related with Alzheimer's disease

There are evidences that the region of hippocampus is affected in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, the hippocampal pyramidal neurons receive cholinergic input from the medial septum. Thus, this study, based on the results of electrophysiological experiments, first constructs a modified hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuronal model by introducing two new currents of M-current and calcium ion-activated potassium ion current to depict the cholinergic input receiving from the medial septum, and then explores how acetylcholine deficiency and beta-amyloid accumulation under the pathological condition of AD influence the neuronal dynamics in terms of theta band power and spiking frequency using computational approach. By simulating acetylcholine potentiated M-current and calcium ion-activated potassium ion current, numerical results reveal that the relative theta band power increases significantly and the firing rate decreases obviously when acetylcholine is deficient. Similarly, by simulating beta-amyloid enhanced delay rectification potassium ion current, we also detect that the relative theta band power increases as well as the firing rate decreases remarkably as beta-amyloid is accumulated. In addition, the mechanism underlying these dynamical changes in theta rhythm and firing behavior is investigated by nonlinear behavioral analysis, which demonstrates that both deficiency in acetylcholine and accumulation in beta-amyloid can promote the emergence of stable equilibrium state in this modified hippocampal neuronal model. Note that acetylcholine deficiency together with beta-amyloid deposition plays key role in the pathogenesis of AD. We expect these findings could have important implications on better understanding pathogenesis and expounding potential biomarkers for AD.

A model of cholinergic suppression of hippocampal ripples through disruption of balanced excitation/inhibition

Sharp wave-ripples (140-220 Hz) are patterns of brain activity observed in the local field potential of the hippocampus which are present during memory consolidation. As rodents switch from memory consolidation to memory encoding behaviors, cholinergic inputs to the hippocampus from neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band of Broca cause a marked reduction in ripple incidence. The mechanism for this disruption in ripple power is not fully understood. In isolated neurons, the major effect of cholinergic input on hippocampal neurons is depolarization of the membrane potential, which affects both hippocampal pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Using an existing model of ripple-frequency oscillations that includes both pyramidal neurons and interneurons, we investigated the mechanism whereby depolarizing inputs to these neurons can affect ripple power and frequency. We observed that ripple power and frequency are maintained, as long as inputs to pyramidal neurons and interneurons are balanced. Preferential drive to pyramidal neurons or interneurons, however, affects ripple power and can disrupt ripple oscillations by pushing ripple frequency higher or lower. Thus, an imbalance in drive to pyramidal neurons and interneurons provides a means whereby cholinergic input can suppress hippocampal ripples.

Modulation of Hippocampal Circuits by Muscarinic and Nicotinic Receptors

This article provides a review of the effects of activation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors on the physiological properties of circuits in the hippocampal formation. Previous articles have described detailed computational hypotheses about the role of cholinergic neuromodulation in enhancing the dynamics for encoding in cortical structures and the role of reduced cholinergic modulation in allowing consolidation of previously encoded information. This article will focus on addressing the broad scope of different modulatory effects observed within hippocampal circuits, highlighting the heterogeneity of cholinergic modulation in terms of the physiological effects of activation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors and the heterogeneity of effects on different subclasses of neurons.

Muscarinic Long-Term Enhancement of Tonic and Phasic GABAA Inhibition in Rat CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

Acetylcholine (ACh) regulates network operation in the hippocampus by controlling excitation and inhibition in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons (PCs), the latter through gamma-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABA_ARs). Although, the enhancing effects of ACh on GABA_ARs have been reported (Dominguez et al., 2014, 2015), its role in regulating tonic GABA_A inhibition has not been explored in depth. Therefore, we aimed at determining the effects of the activation of ACh receptors on responses mediated by synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA_ARs. Here, we show that under blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors ACh, acting through muscarinic type 1 receptors, paired with post-synaptic depolarization induced a long-term enhancement of tonic GABA_A currents (tGABA_A) and puff-evoked GABA_A currents (pGABA_A). ACh combined with depolarization also potentiated IPSCs (i.e., phasic inhibition) in the same PCs, without signs of interactions of synaptic responses with pGABA_A and tGABA_A, suggesting the contribution of two different GABA_A receptor pools. The long-term enhancement of GABA_A currents and IPSCs reduced the excitability of PCs, possibly regulating plasticity and learning in behaving animals.

Modeling and simulation of organophosphate-induced neurotoxicity: Prediction and validation by experimental studies

Exposure to organophosphorus (OP) compounds, either pesticides or chemical warfare agents, represents a major health problem. As potent irreversible inhibitors of cholinesterase, OP may induce seizures, as in status epilepticus, and occasionally brain lesions. Although these compounds are extremely toxic agents, the search for novel antidotes remains extremely limited. In silico modeling constitutes a useful tool to identify pharmacological targets and to develop efficient therapeutic strategies. In the present work, we developed a new in silico simulator in order to predict the neurotoxicity of irreversible inhibitors of acetyl- and/or butyrylcholinesterase (ChE) as well as the potential neuroprotection provided by antagonists of cholinergic muscarinic and glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The simulator reproduced firing of CA1 hippocampal neurons triggered by exposure to paraoxon (POX), as found in patch-clamp recordings in in vitro mouse hippocampal slices. In the case of POX intoxication, it predicted a preventing action of the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine sulfate, as well as a synergistic action with the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. These in silico predictions relative to beneficial effects of atropine sulfate combined with memantine were recapitulated experimentally in an in vivo model of POX in adult male Swiss mice using electroencephalic (EEG) recordings. Thus, our simulator is a new powerful tool to identify protective therapeutic strategies against OP central effects, by screening various combinations of muscarinic and NMDA receptor antagonists.

IK1 channels do not contribute to the slow afterhyperpolarization in pyramidal neurons

In pyramidal neurons such as hippocampal area CA1 and basolateral amygdala, a slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) follows a burst of action potentials, which is a powerful regulator of neuronal excitability. The sAHP amplitude increases with aging and may underlie age related memory decline. The sAHP is due to a Ca²⁺-dependent, voltage-independent K⁺ conductance, the molecular identity of which has remained elusive until a recent report suggested the Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel, IK1 (KCNN4) as the sAHP channel in CA1 pyramidal neurons. The signature pharmacology of IK1, blockade by TRAM-34, was reported for the sAHP and underlying current. We have examined the sAHP and find no evidence that TRAM-34 affects either the current underling the sAHP or excitability of CA1 or basolateral amygdala pyramidal neurons. In addition, CA1 pyramidal neurons from IK1 null mice exhibit a characteristic sAHP current. Our results indicate that IK1 channels do not mediate the sAHP in pyramidal neurons.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11206.001

Neurons carry signals in the form of electrical impulses called action potentials. These nerve impulses result from ions flowing through proteins called ion channels in the neuron’s membrane, and they determine how the neuron communicates with neighboring neurons. The number of action potentials a neuron can produce can vary over a wide range. In the brain, a particular kind of ion channel limits the number of action potentials that many neurons produce via a negative feedback mechanism. That is to say, nerve impulses activate this ion channel and the activated channel then makes the neuron less able to send further nerve impulses for a while.The activity of this ion channel increases with age and it may be responsible for some forms of age-related decline in cognitive abilities. However, the exact identity of the ion channel responsible was unclear.

Recent research has suggested the ion channel in question was a protein called IK1. This conclusion was largely based on how this ion channel responded to drugs in the laboratory. Wang, Materos-Aparico et al. sought to verify this conclusion and, in contrast with the previous reports, found that the IK1 ion channel did not respond to these drugs in the same way when it was in neurons in the brains of mice.

In further experiments, mice that had been engineered to lack the IK1 ion channel still showed the characteristic negative feedback that regulates the firing of action potentials. Thus, Wang, Materos-Aparico et al. found no evidence to support the previous conclusion, and instead conclude that the exact identity of this important ion channel in the brain has yet to be defined.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11206.002

Hippocampal sharp wave-ripple: A cognitive biomarker for episodic memory and planning

Sharp wave ripples (SPW-Rs) represent the most synchronous population pattern in the mammalian brain. Their excitatory output affects a wide area of the cortex and several subcortical nuclei. SPW-Rs occur during "off-line" states of the brain, associated with consummatory behaviors and non-REM sleep, and are influenced by numerous neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. They arise from the excitatory recurrent system of the CA3 region and the SPW-induced excitation brings about a fast network oscillation (ripple) in CA1. The spike content of SPW-Rs is temporally and spatially coordinated by a consortium of interneurons to replay fragments of waking neuronal sequences in a compressed format. SPW-Rs assist in transferring this compressed hippocampal representation to distributed circuits to support memory consolidation; selective disruption of SPW-Rs interferes with memory. Recently acquired and pre-existing information are combined during SPW-R replay to influence decisions, plan actions and, potentially, allow for creative thoughts. In addition to the widely studied contribution to memory, SPW-Rs may also affect endocrine function via activation of hypothalamic circuits. Alteration of the physiological mechanisms supporting SPW-Rs leads to their pathological conversion, "p-ripples," which are a marker of epileptogenic tissue and can be observed in rodent models of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. Mechanisms for SPW-R genesis and function are discussed in this review.

Transition between encoding and consolidation/replay dynamics via cholinergic modulation of CAN current: A modeling study

Hippocampal place cells that are activated sequentially during active waking get reactivated in a temporally compressed (5-20 times) manner during slow-wave-sleep and quiet waking. The two-stage model of the hippocampus suggests that neural activity during awaking supports encoding function while temporally compressed reactivation (replay) supports consolidation. However, the mechanisms supporting different neural activity with different temporal scales during encoding and consolidation remain unclear. Based on the idea that acetylcholine modulates functional transition between encoding and consolidation, we tested whether the cholinergic modulation may adjust intrinsic network dynamics to support different temporal scales for these two modes of operation. Simulations demonstrate that cholinergic modulation of the calcium activated non-specific cationic (CAN) current and the synaptic transmission may be sufficient to switch the network dynamics between encoding and consolidation modes. When the CAN current is active and the synaptic transmission is suppressed, mimicking the high acetylcholine condition during active waking, a slow propagation of multiple spikes is evident. This activity resembles the firing pattern of place cells and time cells during active waking. On the other hand, when CAN current is suppressed and the synaptic transmission is intact, mimicking the low acetylcholine condition during slow-wave-sleep, a time compressed fast (∼10 times) activity propagation of the same set of cells is evident. This activity resembles the time compressed firing pattern of place cells during replay and pre-play, achieving a temporal compression factor in the range observed in vivo (5-20 times). These observations suggest that cholinergic system could adjust intrinsic network dynamics suitable for encoding and consolidation through the modulation of the CAN current and synaptic conductance in the hippocampus.

Inorganic polyphosphate regulates neuronal excitability through modulation of voltage-gated channels

Background

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a highly charged polyanion capable of interacting with a number of molecular targets. This signaling molecule is released into the extracellular matrix by central astrocytes and by peripheral platelets during inflammation. While the release of polyP is associated with both induction of blood coagulation and astrocyte extracellular signaling, the role of secreted polyP in regulation of neuronal activity remains undefined. Here we test the hypothesis that polyP is an important participant in neuronal signaling. Specifically, we investigate the ability of neurons to release polyP and to induce neuronal firing, and clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process by studying the action of polyP on voltage gated channels.

Results

Using patch clamp techniques, and primary hippocampal and dorsal root ganglion cell cultures, we demonstrate that polyP directly influences neuronal activity, inducing action potential generation in both PNS and CNS neurons. Mechanistically, this is accomplished by shifting the voltage sensitivity of Na_V channel activation toward the neuronal resting membrane potential, the block K_V channels, and the activation of Ca_V channels. Next, using calcium imaging we found that polyP stimulates an increase in neuronal network activity and induces calcium influx in glial cells. Using in situ DAPI localization and live imaging, we demonstrate that polyP is naturally present in synaptic regions and is released from the neurons upon depolarization. Finally, using a biochemical assay we demonstrate that polyP is present in synaptosomes and can be released upon their membrane depolarization by the addition of potassium chloride.

Conclusions

We conclude that polyP release leads to increased excitability of the neuronal membrane through the modulation of voltage gated ion channels. Together, our data establishes that polyP could function as excitatory neuromodulator in both the PNS and CNS.

Persistent sodium current drives conditional pacemaking in CA1 pyramidal neurons under muscarinic stimulation

Hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons are normally quiescent but can fire spontaneously when stimulated by muscarinic agonists. In brain slice recordings from mouse CA1 pyramidal neurons, we examined the ionic basis of this activity using interleaved current-clamp and voltage-clamp experiments. Both in control and after muscarinic stimulation, the steady-state current-voltage curve was dominated by inward TTX-sensitive persistent sodium current (I(NaP)) that activated near -75 mV and increased steeply with depolarization. In control, total membrane current was net outward (hyperpolarizing) near -70 mV so that cells had a stable resting potential. Muscarinic stimulation activated a small nonselective cation current so that total membrane current near -70 mV shifted to become barely net inward (depolarizing). The small depolarization triggers regenerative activation of I(NaP), which then depolarizes the cell from -70 mV to spike threshold. We quantified the relative contributions of I(NaP), hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I(h)), and calcium current to pacemaking by using the cell's own firing as a voltage command along with specific blockers. TTX-sensitive sodium current was substantial throughout the entire interspike interval, increasing as the membrane potential approached threshold, while both Ih and calcium current were minimal. Thus, spontaneous activity is driven primarily by activation of I(NaP) in a positive feedback loop starting near -70 mV and providing increasing inward current to threshold. These results show that the pacemaking "engine" from I(NaP) is an inherent property of CA1 pyramidal neurons that can be engaged or disengaged by small shifts in net membrane current near -70 mV, as by muscarinic stimulation.

Cholinergic modulation of the CAN current may adjust neural dynamics for active memory maintenance, spatial navigation and time-compressed replay

Suppression of cholinergic receptors and inactivation of the septum impair short-term memory, and disrupt place cell and grid cell activity in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Location-dependent hippocampal place cell firing during active waking, when the acetylcholine level is high, switches to time-compressed replay activity during quiet waking and slow-wave-sleep (SWS), when the acetylcholine level is low. However, it remains largely unknown how acetylcholine supports short-term memory, spatial navigation, and the functional switch to replay mode in the MTL. In this paper, we focus on the role of the calcium-activated non-specific cationic (CAN) current which is activated by acetylcholine. The CAN current is known to underlie persistent firing, which could serve as a memory trace in many neurons in the MTL. Here, we review the CAN current and discuss possible roles of the CAN current in short-term memory and spatial navigation. We further propose a novel theoretical model where the CAN current switches the hippocampal place cell activity between real-time and time-compressed sequential activity during encoding and consolidation, respectively.

Targets, receptors and effects of muscarinic neuromodulation on giant neurones of the rat dorsal cochlear nucleus

Although cholinergic modulation of the cochlear nucleus (CN) is functionally important, neither its cellular consequences nor the types of receptors conveying it are precisely known. The aim of this work was to characterise the cholinergic effects on giant cells of the CN, using electrophysiology and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Application of the cholinergic agonist carbachol increased the spontaneous activity of the giant cells; which was partly the consequence of the reduction in a K(+) conductance. This effect was mediated via M4 and M3 receptors. Cholinergic modulation also affected the synaptic transmission targeting the giant cells. Excitatory synaptic currents evoked by the stimulation of the superficial and deep regions of the CN were sensitive to cholinergic modulation: the amplitude of the first postsynaptic current was reduced, and the short-term depression was also altered. These changes were mediated via M3 receptors alone and via the combination of M4, M2 and M3 receptors, when the superficial and deep layers, respectively, were activated. Inhibitory synaptic currents evoked from the superficial layer showed short-term depression, but they were unaffected by carbachol. In contrast, inhibitory currents triggered by the activation of the deep parts exhibited no significant short-term depression, but they were highly sensitive to cholinergic activation, which was mediated via M3 receptors. Our results indicate that pre- and postsynaptic muscarinic receptors mediate cholinergic modulation on giant cells. The present findings shed light on the cellular mechanisms of a tonic cholinergic modulation in the CN, which may become particularly important in evoking contralateral excitatory responses under certain pathological conditions.

Cholinergic terminals in the cat visual cortex: Ultrastructural basis for interaction with glutamate-immunoreactive neurons and other cells

Acetylcholine (ACh) is one of the transmitters utilized by extrathalamic afferents to modulate stimulus-driven neurotransmission and experience-dependent plasticity in the visual cortex. Since these processes also depend on the activation of glutamatergic receptors, cholinergic terminals may exert their effects via direct modulation of excitatory neurotransmission. The objective of this study was to determine whether the ultrastructural relationships between cholinergic terminals, glutamate-immunoreactive neurons, and other unlabeled cells support this idea. Sections from aldehyde-fixed visual cortex (area 17) of adult cats were immunolabled for the following molecules: (1) choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the acetylcholine-synthesizing enzyme; (2) L-glutamate; or (3) ChAT simultaneously with L-glutamate by combining electron-microscopic immunogold and immunoperoxidase techniques. None of the cortical terminals were dually labeled, suggesting that (1) the labeling procedure was free of chemical or immunological cross reactions; and (2) glutamate immunoreactivity probably reflects the transmitter, and not metabolic, pool of L-glutamate. Comparisons between cholinergic and noncholinergic axons revealed that (1) ChAT-immunoreactive axons formed fewer identifiable synaptic contacts within single ultrathin sections (P < 0.01 using chi-square test); and (2) more of the cholinergic axons occurred directly opposed to other terminals (P < 0.0015 by chi-square test), including 21% of which resided directly across asymmetric, axo-spinous junctions. Dual labeling showed that a third of the synaptic targets for cholinergic terminals contained detectable levels of glutamate immunoreactivity. Some of the axo-spinous junctions juxtaposed to cholinergic axons also exhibited glutamate immunoreactivity presynaptically. These observations provide ultrastructural evidence for direct, cholinergic modulation of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons within the mammalian neocortex. Prevalence of juxtapositions between cholinergic terminals and axo-spinous synapses supports the following ideas: (1) ACh may modulate the release of noncholinergic transmitters, including Glu; (2) Glu may modulate ACh release; and (3) these processes may be concurrent with cholinergic modulation of glutamatergic synapses at postsynaptic sites.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels contribute to bidirectional synaptic plasticity at CA1-subiculum synapses

Hippocampal output is mediated via the subiculum, which is the principal target of CA1 pyramidal cells, and which sends projections to a variety of cortical and subcortical regions. Pyramidal cells in the subiculum display two different firing modes and are classified as being burst-spiking or regular-spiking. In a previous study, we found that low-frequency stimulation induces an NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in burst-spiking cells and a metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in regular-spiking cells [P. Fidzinski, O. Shor, J. Behr, Target-cell-specific bidirectional synaptic plasticity at hippocampal output synapses, Eur. J. Neurosci., 27 (2008) 1111-1118]. Here, we present evidence that this bidirectional plasticity relies upon the co-activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, as scopolamine blocks synaptic plasticity in both cell types. In addition, we demonstrate that the L-type calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine converts LTD to LTP in burst-spiking cells and LTP to LTD in regular-spiking cells, indicating that the polarity of synaptic plasticity is modulated by voltage-gated calcium channels. Bidirectional synaptic plasticity in subicular cells therefore appears to be governed by a complex signaling system, involving cell-specific recruitment of ligand and voltage-gated ion channels as well as metabotropic receptors. This complex regulation might be necessary for fine-tuning of synaptic efficacy at hippocampal output synapses.

In vitro and in vivo measures of evoked excitatory and inhibitory conductance dynamics in sensory cortices

In order to better understand the synaptic nature of the integration process operated by cortical neurons during sensory processing, it is necessary to devise quantitative methods which allow one to infer the level of conductance change evoked by the sensory stimulation and, consequently, the dynamics of the balance between excitation and inhibition. Such detailed measurements are required to characterize the static versus dynamic nature of the non-linear interactions triggered at the single cell level by sensory stimulus. This paper primarily reviews experimental data from our laboratory based on direct conductance measurements during whole-cell patch clamp recordings in two experimental preparations: (1) in vitro, during electrical stimulation in the visual cortex of the rat and (2) in vivo, during visual stimulation, in the primary visual cortex of the anaesthetized cat. Both studies demonstrate that shunting inhibition is expressed as well in vivo as in vitro. Our in vivo data reveals that a high level of diversity is observed in the degree of interaction (from linear to non-linear) and in the temporal interplay (from push-pull to synchronous) between stimulus-driven excitation (E) and inhibition (I). A detailed analysis of the E/I balance during evoked spike activity further shows that the firing strength results from a simultaneous decrease of evoked inhibition and increase of excitation. Secondary, the paper overviews the various computational methods used in the literature to assess conductance dynamics, measured in current clamp as well as in voltage clamp in different neocortical areas and species, and discuss the consistency of their estimations.

Cholinergic dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy

The entorhinal cortex-hippocampus complex is believed to be the site of origin of seizure activity in the majority of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Both these regions are enriched with cholinergic innervation, which plays a key role in the normal control of neuronal excitability and in higher cognitive processes. In TLE, anatomical and functional changes occur in all cellular components of the local neural circuit. Thus, while it is not surprising that cholinergic functions are altered in the epileptic temporal lobe, the exact nature and role of these changes in the pathogenesis of the disease are not known. In this report, we summarize the scientific background and experimental data supporting a "cholinergic hypothesis of TLE." We conclude that while the exact role of cholinergic dysfunction in TLE is not known, there is a firm basis for suggesting that changes in the expression of key cholinergic proteins-and the associated cholinergic dysfunction-are key factors in the basic mechanisms underlying TLE.

Cholinergic suppression of excitatory synaptic responses in layer II of the medial entorhinal cortex

Theta-frequency (4-12 Hz) electroencephalographic activity is thought to play a role in mechanisms mediating sensory and mnemonic processing in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, but the effects of acetylcholine on excitatory synaptic inputs to the entorhinal cortex are not well understood. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by stimulation of the piriform (olfactory) cortex were recorded in the medial entorhinal cortex during behaviors associated with theta activity (active mobility) and were compared with those recorded during nontheta behaviors (awake immobility and slow wave sleep). Synaptic responses were smaller during behavioral activity than during awake immobility and sleep, and responses recorded during movement were largest during the negative phase of the theta rhythm. Systemic administration of cholinergic agonists reduced the amplitude of fEPSPs, and the muscarinic receptor blocker scopolamine strongly enhanced fEPSPs, suggesting that the theta-related suppression of fEPSPs is mediated in part by cholinergic inputs. The reduction in fEPSPs was investigated using in vitro intracellular recordings of EPSPs in Layer II neurons evoked by stimulation of Layer I afferents. Constant bath application of the muscarinic agonist carbachol depolarized membrane potential and suppressed EPSP amplitude in Layer II neurons. The suppression of EPSPs was not associated with a substantial change in input resistance, and could not be accounted for by a depolarization-induced reduction in driving force on the EPSP. The GABA(A) receptor-blocker bicuculline (50 microM) did not prevent the cholinergic suppression of EPSPs, suggesting that the suppression is not dependent on inhibitory mechanisms. Paired-pulse facilitation of field and intracellular EPSPs were enhanced by carbachol, indicating that the suppression is likely due to inhibition of presynaptic glutamate release. These results indicate that, in addition to well known effects on postsynaptic conductances that increase cellular excitability, cholinergic activation in the entorhinal cortex results in a strong reduction in strength of excitatory synaptic inputs from the piriform cortex.

Cholinergic modulation of synaptic transmission and postsynaptic excitability in the rat gracilis dorsal column nucleus

Somatosensory information, conveyed through the gracilis nucleus (GN), is regulated by descending corticofugal (CF) glutamatergic fibers. In addition, the GN receives cholinergic inputs with still unclear source and functional significance. Using both the in vitro slice and intracellular recording with sharp and patch electrodes and in vivo extracellular single-unit recordings, we analyzed the effects of activation of cholinergic receptors on synaptic, intrinsic, and functional properties of rat GN neurons. The cholinergic agonist carbamilcholine-chloride [carbachol (CCh); 1-10 microM] in vitro (1) induced presynaptic inhibition of EPSPs evoked by both dorsal column and CF stimulation, (2) increased postsynaptic excitability, and (3) amplified the spike output of GN neurons. The inhibition by atropine (1 microM) and pirenzepine (10 microM) of all presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of CCh suggests actions through muscarinic M1 receptors. The above effects were insensitive to nicotinic antagonists. We searched the anatomical origin of the cholinergic projection to the GN throughout the hindbrain and forebrain, and we found that the cholinergic fibers originated mainly in the pontine reticular nucleus (PRN). Electrical stimulation of the PRN amplified sensory responses in the GN in vivo, an effect prevented by topical application of atropine. Our results demonstrate for the first time that cholinergic agonists induce both presynaptic and postsynaptic effects on GN neurons and suggest an important regulatory action of inputs from cholinergic neuronal groups in the pontine reticular formation in the functional control of somatosensory information flow in the GN.

Evoked slow muscarinic acetylcholinergic synaptic potentials in rat hippocampal interneurons

The hippocampus receives an extensive cholinergic input from the medial septal nucleus that ramifies throughout all layers and plays a pivotal modulatory role in cognitive function. Although the pharmacological effects of exogenous application of cholinergic agonists have been extensively studied in hippocampal neurons, much less is known about the effects of synaptically released acetylcholine (ACh). In this respect, most studies have focused on the cholinergic afferent input to pyramidal neurons that produces a characteristically slow depolarizing synaptic response mediated by activation of muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). Here we report that cholinergic afferent stimulation also elicits atropine-sensitive synaptic potentials in hippocampal CA1 interneurons but, in contrast to synaptic responses in pyramidal neurons, these are highly diverse in waveform, although can still be classified into five distinct subtypes. The most common response type (i) 64% of cells) consisted of a slow sustained membrane potential depolarization. The other 36% of responses could be subdivided into responses comprising of (ii) a biphasic membrane potential change in which an initial slow hyperpolarization subsequently transforms into a slow depolarization (20%), (iii) a pure, slow hyperpolarization (13%), and (iv) an oscillatory response persisting for several seconds (2%). Interestingly, there were also interneurons totally insensitive to both synaptic and pharmacological cholinergic challenge. Morphological investigation of recorded cells revealed no obvious correlation between responsiveness to cholinergic afferent stimulation and dendritic and axonal arborization. The current study suggests that synaptic release of ACh results in a complex and differential mAChR-mediated modulation of cellular excitability within the hippocampal interneuron population.

Slow afterhyperpolarization governs the development of NMDA receptor-dependent afterdepolarization in CA1 pyramidal neurons during synaptic stimulation

CA1 pyramidal neurons from animals that have acquired a hippocampus-dependent task show a reduced slow postburst afterhyperpolarization (sAHP). To understand the functional significance of this change, we examined and characterized the sAHP activated by different patterns of synaptic stimuli and its impact on postsynaptic signal integration. Whole cell current-clamp recordings were performed on rat CA1 pyramidal neurons, and trains of stratum radiatum stimuli varying in duration, frequency, and intensity were used to activate the AHP. At -68 mV, a short train of subthreshold stimuli (20-150 Hz) generated only the medium AHP. In contrast, just two suprathreshold stimuli >50 Hz triggered a prominent sAHP sensitive to bath-applications of isoproterenol, carbachol, or intracellularly applied BAPTA, suggesting that the underlying current is the Ca2+-activated K+ current, the sIAHP. The sAHP magnitude was positively related to stimulus train duration and frequency, consistent with its dependence on intracellular Ca2+ accumulation for activation. About 20% of neurons recorded did not have a sAHP. In response to high-frequency suprathreshold stimuli, these neurons developed a pronounced afterdepolarization (ADP) and multiple action potential firing. The ADP magnitude increased with successive stimuli and was positively related to stimulus intensity and frequency. It was sensitive to bath-applications of thapsigargin and nitrendipine, and abolished by d-AP5, indicating that it is supported by intracellular Ca2+ release, the L-type Ca2+ influx, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated influx. In the presence of D-AP5, we were unable to trigger an ADP with maximal stimulus intensity. Pharmacologically eliminating the sAHP allowed neurons to develop an ADP with the original stimulus train. We propose that the slow AHP acts to facilitate Mg2+ re-block of the activated NMDA receptors, thereby reducing temporal summation and preventing an NMDA receptor-dependent ADP during intense synaptic events. Neuromodulation of the sAHP may thus affect information throughput and regulate NMDA receptor-mediated plasticity.

Ca2+-independent muscarinic excitation of rat medial entorhinal cortex layer V neurons

Cholinergic activation of entorhinal cortex (EC) layer V neurons plays a crucial role in the medial temporal lobe memory system and in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy. Here, we demonstrate that muscarinic activation by focal application of carbachol depolarizes EC layer V neurons and induces epileptiform activity in rat brain slices. These seizure-like bursts are associated with a somatic [Ca2+]i increase of 293 +/- 82 nm and are blocked by the glutamate receptor antagonists CNQX and APV. Muscarinic activation did not directly evoke a [Ca2+]i increase, but subthreshold and suprathreshold depolarization did. Functional axon mapping revealed local axon branching as well as axon collaterals ascending to layers II and III. During blockade of ionotropic glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptors, carbachol depolarized layer V neurons by +7.5 +/- 3.4 mV. This direct muscarinic depolarization was associated with a conductance increase of 35 +/- 10.3% (+4.3 +/- 1.25 nS). Intracellular buffering of [Ca2+]i changes did not block this depolarization, but prolonged action potential duration and reduced adaptation of action potential firing. The muscarinic depolarization was neither blocked by combining intracellular Ca2+-buffering (EGTA or BAPTA) with non-specific Ca2+-channel inhibition by Ni+ (1 mm), nor by Ba2+ (1 mm) nor during inhibition of the h-current by 2 mm Cs+. In whole-cell patch-clamp recording, reversal of the muscarinic current occurred at about -45 mV and -5 mV with complete substitution of intrapipette K+ with Cs+. Thus, muscarinic depolarization of EC layer V neurons appears to be primarily mediated by Ca2+-independent activation of non-specific cation channels that conduct K+ about three times as well as Na+.

Mode shifting between storage and recall based on novelty detection in oscillating hippocampal circuits

It has been suggested that hippocampal mode shifting between a storage and a retrieval state might be under the control of acetylcholine (ACh) levels, as set by an autoregulatory hippocampo-septo-hippocampal loop. The present study investigates how such a mechanism might operate in a large-scale connectionist model of this circuitry that takes into account the major hippocampal subdivisions, oscillatory population dynamics and the time scale on which ACh exerts its effects in the hippocampus. The model assumes that hippocampal mode shifting is regulated by a novelty signal generated in the hippocampus. The simulations suggest that this signal originates in the dentate. Novel patterns presented to this structure lead to brief periods of depressed firing in the hippocampal circuitry. During these periods, an inhibitory influence of the hippocampus on the septum is lifted, leading to increased firing of cholinergic neurons. The resulting increase in ACh release in the hippocampus produces network dynamics that favor learning over retrieval. Resumption of activity in the hippocampus leads to the reinstatement of inhibition. Despite theta-locked rhythmic firing of ACh neurons in the septum, ACh modulation in the model fluctuates smoothly on a time scale of seconds. It is shown that this is compatible with the time scale on which memory processes take place. A number of strong predictions regarding memory function are derived from the model.

Enhanced cholinergic suppression of previously strengthened synapses enables the formation of self-organized representations in olfactory cortex

Computational modeling assists in analyzing the specific functional role of the cellular effects of acetylcholine within cortical structures. In particular, acetylcholine may regulate the dynamics of encoding and retrieval of information by regulating the magnitude of synaptic transmission at excitatory recurrent connections. Many abstract models of associative memory function ignore the influence of changes in synaptic strength during the storage process and apply the effect of these changes only during a so-called recall-phase. Efforts to ensure stable activity with more realistic, continuous updating of the synaptic strength during the storage process have shown that the memory capacity of a realistic cortical network can be greatly enhanced if cholinergic modulation blocks transmission at synaptic connections of the association fibers during the learning process. We here present experimental data from an olfactory cortex brain slice preparation showing that previously potentiated fibers show significantly greater suppression (presynaptic inhibition) by the cholinergic agonist carbachol than unpotentiated fibers. We conclude that low suppression of non-potentiated fibers during the learning process ensures the formation of self-organized representations in the neural network while the higher suppression of previously potentiated fibers minimizes interference between overlapping patterns. We show in a computational model of olfactory cortex, that, together, these two phenomena reduce the overlap between patterns that are stored within the same neural network structure. These results further demonstrate the contribution of acetylcholine to mechanisms of cortical plasticity. The results are consistent with the extensive evidence supporting a role for acetylcholine in encoding of new memories and enhancement of response to salient sensory stimuli.

Pyridostigmine enhances glutamatergic transmission in hippocampal CA1 neurons

Pyridostigmine, a carbamate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, is routinely employed in the treatment of the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis. Due to its positively charged ammonium group, under normal conditions pyridostigmine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and penetrate the brain. However, several studies have suggested that under conditions in which the BBB is disrupted, pyridostigmine enters the brain, changes cortical excitability, and leads to long-lasting alterations in gene expression. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanisms underlying pyridostigmine-induced changes in the excitability of central neurons. Using whole cell intracellular recordings in hippocampal neurons we show that pyridostigmine decreases repetitive firing adaptation and increases the appearance of excitatory postsynaptic potentials. In voltage clamp recordings, both pyridostigmine and acetylcholine (ACh) increased the frequency but not the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents. These effects were reversible upon the administration of the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, and were not blocked by tetrodotoxin. We conclude that pyridostigmine, by increasing free ACh levels, causes muscarinic-dependent enhancement of excitatory transmission. This mechanism may explain central side effects previously attributed to this drug as well as the potency of AChE inhibitors, including nerve-gas agents and organophosphate pesticides, in the initiation of cortical synchronization, epileptic discharge, and excitotoxic damage.

Muscarinic activation of a cation current and associated current noise in entorhinal-cortex layer-II neurons

The effects of muscarinic stimulation on the membrane potential and current of in situ rat entorhinal-cortex layer-II principal neurons were analyzed using the whole cell, patch-clamp technique. In current-clamp experiments, application of carbachol (CCh) induced a slowly developing, prolonged depolarization initially accompanied by a slight decrease or no significant change in input resistance. By contrast, in a later phase of the depolarization input resistance appeared consistently increased. To elucidate the ionic bases of these effects, voltage-clamp experiments were then carried out. In recordings performed in nearly physiological ionic conditions at the holding potential of -60 mV, CCh application promoted the slow development of an inward current deflection consistently associated with a prominent increase in current noise. Similarly to voltage responses to CCh, this inward-current induction was abolished by the muscarinic antagonist, atropine. Current-voltage relationships derived by applying ramp voltage protocols during the different phases of the CCh-induced inward-current deflection revealed the early induction of an inward current that manifested a linear current/voltage relationship in the subthreshold range and the longer-lasting block of an outward K(+) current. The latter current could be blocked by 1 mM extracellular Ba(2+), which allowed us to study the CCh-induced inward current (I(CCh)) in isolation. The extrapolated reversal potential of the isolated I(CCh) was approximately 0 mV and was not modified by complete substitution of intrapipette K(+) with Cs(+). Moreover, the extrapolated I(CCh) reversal shifted to approximately -20 mV on removal of 50% extracellular Na(+). These results are consistent with I(CCh) being a nonspecific cation current. Finally, noise analysis of I(CCh) returned an estimated conductance of the underlying channels of approximately 13.5 pS. We conclude that the depolarizing effect of muscarinic stimuli on entorhinal-cortex layer-II principal neurons depends on both the block of a K(+) conductance and the activation of a "noisy" nonspecific cation current. We suggest that the membrane current fluctuations brought about by I(CCh) channel noise may facilitate the "theta" oscillatory dynamics of these neurons and enhance firing reliability and synchronization.

Evidence Against a Role for Protein Kinase C in the Inhibition of the Calcium-activated Potassium Current IAHP by Muscarinic Stimulants in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

The possible role of protein kinase C activation in the inhibitory action of cholinergic transmitters on the slow Ca-dependent afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP) in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons was investigated using hippocampal slice cultures. IAHP was inhibited reversibly by methacholine (100 - 600 nM) and irreversibly by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu, 10 nM to 1 microM). The inhibitory action of PDBu was antagonized by prior (15 - 60 min) exposure to staurosporin (1 microM). In contrast, the inhibitory effect of methacholine on IAHP was not reduced after up to 3 h of exposure to this compound. In addition, methacholine produced a reversible inward current at the holding potential, which was augmented by staurosporin. However, prior exposure to PDBu reduced the effect of methacholine on IAHP and occluded the methacholine-induced inward current. This effect of PDBu was also observed in the presence of staurosporin, suggesting that it might be exerted through a protein kinase C-independent pathway. Noradrenalin (2 - 5 microM) and 8-bromo cyclic adenosine 3',5'monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, 1 mM) also produced a reversible block of IAHP. Their action was antagonized by staurosporin, probably via its effect on protein kinase A. Thus the present experiments suggest that the action of muscarinic agonists on IAHP cannot be explained by an effect on protein kinase C, but support a role for protein kinase A in mediating the action of noradrenalin.

Reduction of Potassium Conductances Mediated by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Rat CA3 Pyramidal Cells Does Not Require Protein Kinase C or Protein Kinase A

Metabotropic glutamate receptors, unlike ionotropic receptors, exert their actions on ion channels via G-proteins coupled to second messenger systems. In the hippocampus stimulation of metabotropic receptors can lead to decreased potassium channel conductance, decreased accommodation of cell firing and inhibition of the slow calcium-dependent afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP). Using the single-electrode voltage-clamp technique in hippocampal slice cultures of the rat, the role of protein kinases in mediating these metabotropic glutamate responses was investigated. In the presence of staurosporin, protein kinase C activation by phorbol esters and protein kinase A activation by 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate were blocked. Under these conditions, the inhibition of IAHP by 1-amino-cyclopentyl-trans-dicarboxylate (ACPD), a metabotropic agonist, was unchanged, whilst the inward current elicited by ACPD was enhanced. These results demonstrate that, in the hippocampus, metabotropic glutamate responses persist during inhibition of protein kinase A and C activation. Furthermore, these responses are insensitive to pertussis toxin, confirming previous observations.

Physiological role of calcium-activated potassium currents in the rat lateral amygdala

Principal neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) exhibit a continuum of firing properties in response to prolonged current injections ranging from those that accommodate fully to those that fire repetitively. In most cells, trains of action potentials are followed by a slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) lasting several seconds. Reducing calcium influx either by lowering concentrations of extracellular calcium or by applying nickel abolished the AHP, confirming it is mediated by calcium influx. Blockade of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BK) channels with paxilline, iberiotoxin, or TEA revealed that BK channels are involved in action potential repolarization but only make a small contribution to the fast AHP that follows action potentials. The fast AHP was, however, markedly reduced by low concentrations of 4-aminopyridine and alpha-dendrotoxin, indicating the involvement of voltage-gated potassium channels in the fast AHP. The medium AHP was blocked by apamin and UCL1848, indicating it was mediated by small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) channels. Blockade of these channels had no effect on instantaneous firing. However, enhancement of the SK-mediated current by 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone or paxilline increased the early interspike interval, showing that under physiological conditions activation of SK channels is insufficient to control firing frequency. The slow AHP, mediated by non-SK BK channels, was apamin-insensitive but was modulated by carbachol and noradrenaline. Tetanic stimulation of cholinergic afferents to the LA depressed the slow AHP and led to an increase in firing. These results show that BK, SK, and non-BK SK-mediated calcium-activated potassium currents are present in principal LA neurons and play distinct physiological roles.

Differences in time course of ACh and GABA modulation of excitatory synaptic potentials in slices of rat hippocampus

Activation of muscarinic receptors and GABA(B) receptors causes presynaptic inhibition of glutamatergic synaptic potentials at excitatory feedback connections in cortical structures. These effects may regulate dynamics in cortical structures, with presynaptic inhibition allowing extrinsic afferent input to dominate during encoding, while the absence of presynaptic inhibition allows stronger excitatory feedback during retrieval or consolidation. However, proposals for a functional role of such modulatory effects strongly depend on the time course of these modulatory effects; how rapidly can they turn off and on? In brain slice preparations of hippocampal region CA1, we have explored the time course of suppression of extracellularly recorded synaptic potentials after pressure pulse application of acetylcholine and GABA. Acetylcholine causes suppression of extracellular potentials with onset time constants between 1 and 2 s, and decay constants ranging between 10 and 20 s, even with very brief injection pulses. GABA causes suppression of extracellular potentials with onset time constants between 0.2 and 0.7 s, and decay time constants that decrease to values shorter than 2 s for very brief injection pulses. These techniques do not give an exact measure of the physiological time course in vivo, but they give a notion of the relative time course of the two modulators. The slow changes due to activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors may alter the dynamics of cortical circuits over longer intervals (e.g., between different stages of waking and sleep), setting dynamics appropriate for encoding versus consolidation processes. The faster changes in synaptic potentials caused by GABA could cause changes within each cycle of the theta rhythm, rapidly switching between encoding and retrieval dynamics during exploration.

Differential effects of PACAP-38 on synaptic responses in rat hippocampal CA1 region

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP-38) is a member of the vasointestinal polypeptide (VIP)/secretin/glucagon family of neuropeptides for which neuroregulatory functions have been postulated. PACAP-38 receptors are expressed in different brain regions, including hippocampus. In this study, we examined the dose-dependent effects of PACAP-38 on the excitatory postsynaptic field potential (fEPSP) evoked at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse in rat hippocampal slices. Bath application of low dose (0.05 nM) of PACAP-38 induced long-lasting facilitation of the fEPSP. This enhancement was blocked by the cholinergic receptor antagonist atropine and partially by the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) and therefore, shares a common mechanism with LTP. In contrast, a high dose (1 microM) of PACAP-38 induced a persistent depression of the fEPSP that was not blocked by antagonists of cholinergic receptors (i.e., atropine and mecamylamine), adenosine receptors (i.e., DCPCX), or glutamatergic NMDA receptors (APV). Intermediate doses (0.1-0.5 microM) of PACAP-38 produced an initial decrease of the fEPSP followed by an enhancement. This decrease was not blocked by atropine whereas the facilitation was. These results show that PACAP-38 modulates CA1 synaptic transmission in a dose-dependent manner and that the peptide interacts with cholinergic and glutamatergic systems.

Selective destruction of medial septal cholinergic neurons attenuates pyramidal cell suppression, but not excitation in dorsal hippocampus field CA1 induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin

Using extracellular recording techniques in urethane- (1g/kg, i.p.) anaesthetized rats, we investigated the influence exercised by medial septal cholinergic neurons on dorsal hippocampus field CA1 neural responses to a hind paw injection of formalin (5%, 0.05 ml, s.c.). Cholinergic neurons of the medial septal region were destroyed by local microinjection of the immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin. Compared to control vehicle microinjected animals, immunotoxin-treatment attenuated the amplitude, but not frequency, of CA1 theta induced by intraseptal injection of carbachol. This suggested a selective destruction of medial septal cholinergic neurons by the immunotoxin. Such destruction also abolished; (i) intraseptal carbachol-induced suppression of CA1 population spike, and (ii) stimulation-intensity dependent increase in amplitude, but not frequency, of theta evoked on electrical stimulation in the region of oral part of pontine reticular nucleus. Further, in comparison to vehicle-treated animals, selective cholinergic destruction attenuated formalin-induced; (i) theta activation, (ii) suppression of CA1 pyramidal cell population spike and dendritic field excitatory post-synaptic potential, (iii) inhibition of complex spike cell extracellular activity, and (iv) excitation and theta-rhythmicity of local putative GABAergic interneurons. However, pretreatment with the immunotoxin did not alter the strength and proportion of complex spike cells excited following injection of formalin. From these findings we suggest that medial septal cholinergic neurons mediate, at least partly, the amplitude of theta and pyramidal cell suppression via an inhibitory network involving CA1 interneurons. The data also indicates that during formalin theta, the cholinergic-mediated inhibitory processing does not modulate the strength and selectivity of complex spike cell excitation. This points to formalin-induced, non-overlapping inhibitory and excitatory processes that might have different functional relevance.

The involvement of recurrent connections in area CA3 in establishing the properties of place fields: a model

Strong constraints on the neural mechanisms underlying the formation of place fields in the rodent hippocampus come from the systematic changes in spatial activity patterns that are consequent on systematic environmental manipulations. We describe an attractor network model of area CA3 in which local, recurrent, excitatory, and inhibitory interactions generate appropriate place cell representations from location- and direction-specific activity in the entorhinal cortex. In the model, familiarity with the environment, as reflected by activity in neuromodulatory systems, influences the efficacy and plasticity of the recurrent and feedforward inputs to CA3. In unfamiliar, novel, environments, mossy fiber inputs impose activity patterns on CA3, and the recurrent collaterals and the perforant path inputs are subject to graded Hebbian plasticity. This sculpts CA3 attractors and associates them with activity patterns in the entorhinal cortex. In familiar environments, place fields are controlled by the way that perforant path inputs select among the attractors. Depending on the training experience provided, the model generates place fields that are either directional or nondirectional and whose changes when the environment undergoes simple geometric transformations are in accordance with experimental data. Representations of multiple environments can be stored and recalled with little interference, and these have the appropriate degrees of similarity in visually similar environments.

PACAP-38 enhances excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampal CA1 region

Specific receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a novel peptide with neuroregulatory and neurotrophic functions, have been identified recently in different brain regions, including the hippocampus. In this study, we examined the effects of PACAP-38 on the excitatory postsynaptic field potentials (fEPSPs) evoked at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses. Brief bath application of PACAP-38 (0.05 nM) induced a long-lasting facilitation of the basal transmission. Enhancement of this response was occluded in part by previous high-frequency-induced long-term potentiation (LTP). PACAP-38 did not significantly alter the paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). PACAP-38 has been shown to have a presynaptic effect on the septohippocampal cholinergic terminals, which results in an increase in basal acetylcholine (ACh) release. To assess whether the PACAP-38 enhancement of CA1 synapses was related to the activation of the cholinergic system we examined the effect of this peptide in the presence of atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist. The enhancement of the fEPSPs by PACAP-38 was blocked by bath application of atropine. These results show that PACAP-38 induces facilitation of hippocampal synaptic transmission through activation of the cholinergic system via the muscarinic receptors.

Voltage-clamp analysis of the potentiation of the slow Ca2+-activated K+ current in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Exploring the principles that govern activity-dependent changes in excitability is an essential step to understand the function of the nervous system, because they act as a general postsynaptic control mechanism that modulates the flow of synaptic signals. We show an activity-dependent potentiation of the slow Ca2+-activated K+ current (sl(AHP)) which induces sustained decreases in the excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We analyzed the sl(AHP) using the slice technique and voltage-clamp recordings with sharp or patch-electrodes. Using sharp electrodes-repeated activation with depolarizing pulses evoked a prolonged (8-min) potentiation of the amplitude (171%) and duration (208%) of the sl(AHP). Using patch electrodes, early after entering the whole-cell configuration (<20 min), responses were as those reported above. However, although the sl(AHP) remained unchanged, its potentiation was markedly reduced in later recordings, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms were rapidly eliminated by intracellular dialysis. Inhibition of L-type Ca2+ current by nifedipine (20 microM) markedly reduced the sl(AHP) (79%) and its potentiation (55%). Ryanodine (20 microM) that blocks the release of intracellular Ca2+ also reduced sl(AHP) (29%) and its potentiation (25%). The potentiation of the sl(AHP) induced a marked and prolonged (>50%; approximately equals 8 min) decrease in excitability. The results suggest that sl(AHP) is potentiated as a result of an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) following activation of voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels, aided by the subsequent release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Another possibility is that repeated activation increases the Ca2+-binding capacity of the channels mediating the sl(AHP). This potentiation of the sl(AHP) could be relevant in hippocampal physiology, because the changes in excitability it causes may regulate the induction threshold of the long-term potentiation of synaptic efficacy. Moreover, the potentiation would act as a protective mechanism by reducing excitability and preventing the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ to toxic levels when intense synaptic activation occurs.

Current and voltage clamp studies of the spike medium afterhyperpolarization of hypoglossal motoneurons in a rat brain stem slice preparation

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed on hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) in a brain stem slice preparation from the neonatal rat. The medium afterhyperpolarization (mAHP) was the only afterpotential always present after single or multiple spikes, making it suitable for studying its role in firing behavior. At resting membrane potential (-68.8 +/- 0.7 mV), mAHP (23 +/- 2 ms rise-time and 150 +/- 10 ms decay) had 9.5 +/- 0.7 mV amplitude, was suppressed in Ca(2+)-free medium or by 100 nM apamin, and reversed at -94 mV membrane potential. These observations suggest that mAHP was due to activation of Ca(2+)-dependent, SK-type K(+) channels. Carbachol (10-100 microM) reversibly and dose dependently blocked the mAHP and depolarized HMs (both effects prevented by 10 microM atropine). Similar mAHP block was produced by muscarine (50 microM). In control solution a constant current pulse (1 s) induced HM repetitive firing with small spike frequency adaptation. When the mAHP was blocked by apamin, the same current pulse evoked much higher frequency firing with strong spike frequency adaptation. Carbachol also elicited faster firing and adapting behavior. Voltage clamp experiments demonstrated a slowly deactivating, apamin-sensitive K(+) current (I(AHP)) which could account for the mAHP. I(AHP) reversed at -94 mV membrane potential, was activated by depolarization as short as 1 ms, decayed with a time constant of 154 +/- 9 ms at -50 mV, and was also blocked by 50 microM carbachol. These data suggest that mAHP had an important role in controlling firing behavior as clearly demonstrated after its pharmacological block and was potently modulated by muscarinic receptor activity.

Group I mGluR activation turns on a voltage-gated inward current in hippocampal pyramidal cells

A unique property of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-induced depolarization in hippocampal cells is that the amplitude of the depolarization is larger when the response is elicited at more depolarized membrane potentials. Our understanding of the conductance mechanism underlying this voltage-dependent response is incomplete. Through the use of current-clamp and single-electrode voltage-clamp recordings in guinea pig hippocampal slices, we examined the group I mGluR-induced depolarization in CA3 pyramidal cells. The group I mGluR agonists (S)-3-hydroxyphenylglycine and (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine turned on a voltage-gated inward current (I(mGluR(V))), which was pharmacologically distinct from the voltage-gated sodium and calcium currents intrinsic to the cells. I(mGluR(V)) was a slowly activating, noninactivating current with a threshold at about -75 mV. In addition to the activation of I(mGluR(V)), group I mGluR stimulation also produced a voltage-independent decrease in the K(+) conductance. Our results suggest that the depolarization induced by group I mGluR activation is generated by two ionic mechanisms-a heretofore unrecognized voltage-gated inward current (I(mGluR(V))) that is turned on by depolarization and a voltage-insensitive inward current that results from a turn-off of the K(+) conductance. The low-threshold and noninactivating properties of I(mGluR(V)) allow the current to play a significant role in setting the resting potential and firing pattern of CA3 pyramidal cells.

Muscarinic-induced modulation of potassium conductances is unchanged in mouse hippocampal pyramidal cells that lack functional M1 receptors

Activation of muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (mAChRs) increases excitability of pyramidal cells by inhibiting several K+ conductances, including the after-hyperpolarization current (Iahp), the M-current (Im), and a leak K+ conductance (Ileak). Based on pharmacological evidence and the abundant localization of M1 receptors in pyramidal cells, it has been assumed that the M1 receptor is responsible for mediating these effects. However, given the poor selectivity of the pharmacological agents used to characterize these mAChR responses, rigorous characterization of the receptor subtypes that mediate these actions has not been possible. Surprisingly, patch clamp recording from CA1 pyramidal cells in M1 knockout mice revealed no significant difference in the degree of inhibition of Iahp, Im, or Ileak by the mAChR agonist, carbachol (CCh), as compared with wildtype controls. In addition, the M1-toxin was not able to block CCh's inhibition of the Iahp, Im, or Ileak These data demonstrate that the M1 receptor is not involved in increasing CA1 pyramidal cell excitability by mediating ACh effects on these K+ conductances.

Computational analysis of action potential initiation in mitral cell soma and dendrites based on dual patch recordings

In olfactory mitral cells, dual patch recordings show that the site of action potential initiation can shift between soma and distal primary dendrite and that the shift is dependent on the location and strength of electrode current injection. We have analyzed the mechanisms underlying this shift, using a model of the mitral cell that takes advantage of the constraints available from the two recording sites. Starting with homogeneous Hodgkin-Huxley-like Na(+)-K(+) channel distribution in the soma-dendritic region and much higher sodium channel density in the axonal region, the model's channel kinetics and density were adjusted by a fitting algorithm so that the model response was virtually identical to the experimental data. The combination of loading effects and much higher sodium channel density in the axon relative to the soma-dendritic region results in significantly lower "voltage threshold" for action potential initiation in the axon; the axon therefore fires first unless the voltage gradient in the primary dendrite is steep enough for it to reach its higher threshold. The results thus provide a quantitative explanation for the stimulus strength and position dependence of the site of action potential initiation in the mitral cell.

Different discharge properties of rat facial nucleus motoneurons

In this paper, we describe two types of putative facial motoneuron based on their electrophysiological properties and on their firing frequency adaptation as recorded in rat brainstem slices. Type I motoneurons (n = 33, 61%) were characterized by a sustained spike firing during depolarizing current injections and a marked depolarizing sag (inward rectification) during hyperpolarizing pulses. The time-course and voltage-dependence of the inward rectification together with the finding that it was blocked by Cs+ are consistent with the involvement of a Na+ -and K+ -mediated Q current. Type II motoneurons (n = 21, 39%) were identified by a fast spike firing adaptation. Type II cells showed a less pronounced inward rectification with hyperpolarizing current pulses and a higher discharge rate than type I cells during depolarizing current pulses. These distinct discharge properties imply the activation of a Ca2+ -dependent K+ current, because when carbachol was added to the bath, or the slice was exposed to a Ca2+ -free solution, a decrease was noticed in the firing frequency adaptation. The two types of motoneuron were further differentiated by the initial delay of the first spike, observed only in type I cells, which was blocked by bath application of 4-aminopyridine, indicating the presence of a K+ -mediated A current. The addition of 4-aminopyridine to the bath also increased the firing rate due to a decrease of the post-spike afterhyperpolarization. However, the two types of motoneuron were not morphologically differentiated. Facial motoneurons exhibited rhythmic membrane potential oscillations (8-20 Hz) at depolarized membrane potentials or during the silence following spike frequency adaptation. It is suggested that the intrinsic properties of these two types of facial motoneuron may be relevant in the government of distinct facial muscle activities. The fact that their discharge rate and the level of spike frequency adaptation were modified by altering some K+ currents suggests a potential plasticity in the modulation of motoneuron firing activities depending upon functional motor needs.

Acetylcholine suppresses the spread of excitation in the visual cortex revealed by optical recording: possible differential effect depending on the source of input

Optical recording with a voltage-sensitive dye was performed in visual cortical slices of the rat to determine the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on the spread of excitation. In the presence of ACh, the spread of excitation initiated by stimulation at the white matter/layer VI (WM/VI) was greatly suppressed throughout the cortex, with less suppression in the middle layers. By comparing the effect of ACh with that of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), the fraction of the synaptic component that was sensitive to ACh was evaluated. ACh suppressed approximately 40-50% (maximum 55.8%, n = 11) of the initial synaptic component in the superficial and deep layers. In the middle, however, the effect was weakest and only approximately 20-30% (minimum 20.9%, n = 11) of the initial synaptic component was suppressed. On the basis of histological analysis, the region with the weakest ACh effect extended from upper V to lower II/III. To identify the site of ACh action in terms of pre- versus postsynaptic localization, exogenous glutamate was applied. Because ACh did not suppress the excitation induced by glutamate, the site of the ACh action was indicated to be presynaptic. When layer II/III was stimulated instead of WM/VI, the suppression was uniform throughout the cortex. A muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine, blocked the suppression by ACh. In conclusion, our results indicate the following two points. First, ACh strongly suppresses intracortical connectivity through presynaptic muscarinic receptors. Secondly, in contrast to the intracortical connection, some group(s) of fibres, possibly thalamocortical afferents that arise from white matter and terminate in the middle cortical layers are suppressed much less by ACh. While ACh has been reported to have confusingly diverse effects, e.g. direct depolarization and hyperpolarization as well as synaptic facilitation and suppression, its effect on the propagation of excitation is very clear; suppression on intracortical connection, leaving thalamocortical inputs rather intact. We postulate that cholinergic innervation enables the afferent input to have a relatively dominant effect in the cortex.

Carbachol-induced changes in excitability and [Ca2+]i signalling in projection cells of medial entorhinal cortex layers II and III

The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a major gateway for sensory information into the hippocampus and receives a cholinergic input from the forebrain. Therefore, we studied muscarinic effects on excitability and intracellular Ca2+ signalling in layer II stellate and layer III pyramidal projection neurons of the EC. In both classes of neurons, local pressure-pulse application of carbachol (1 mM) caused small, atropine-sensitive membrane depolarizations that were not accompanied by any detectable changes in [Ca2+]i. At a higher concentration (10 mM), carbachol induced a larger membrane depolarization associated with synaptic oscillations and epileptiform activity in both classes of neurons. In contrast to the intrinsic theta rhythm in stellate cells with one dominant peak frequency at approximately 7 Hz, the synaptically mediated oscillation induced by carbachol showed three characteristic peaks in the theta and gamma frequency range at approximately 11, 23 and 40 Hz. Although carbachol-induced epileptiform activity was associated with increases in intracellular free Ca2+ in both layer II and III cells, the observed [Ca2+]i accumulation was significantly larger in layer III than in layer II cells. Responses to intracellular current injections showed differences in Ca2+ accumulation in layer II and III cells at the same membrane potentials, suggesting a dominant expression of low- and high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in these layer II and III cells, respectively. In conclusion, we present evidence for significant differences in the [Ca2+]i regulation between layer II stellate and layer III pyramidal cells of the medial EC.