A role for adenosine in the regulation of long-term depression in the adult rat hippocampus in vitro

Adenosine and Cortical Plasticity

Brain plasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its structure and functioning in response to experiences. These changes occur mainly at synaptic connections, and this plasticity is named synaptic plasticity. During postnatal development, environmental influences trigger changes in synaptic plasticity that will play a crucial role in the formation and refinement of brain circuits and their functions in adulthood. One of the greatest challenges of present neuroscience is to try to explain how synaptic connections change and cortical maps are formed and modified to generate the most suitable adaptive behavior after different external stimuli. Adenosine is emerging as a key player in these plastic changes at different brain areas. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the induction and duration of synaptic plasticity at different postnatal brain development stages in which adenosine, probably released by astrocytes, directly participates in the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity and in the control of the duration of plasticity windows at different cortical synapses. In addition, we comment on the role of the different adenosine receptors in brain diseases and on the potential therapeutic effects of acting via adenosine receptors.

Aberrant NMDA-dependent LTD after perinatal ethanol exposure in young adult rat hippocampus

Irreversible cognitive deficits induced by ethanol exposure during fetal life have been ascribed to a lower NMDA-dependent synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Whether NMDA-dependent long-term depression (LTD) may also play a critical role in those deficits remains unknown. Here, we show that in vitro LTD induced with paired-pulse low frequency stimulation is enhanced in CA1 hippocampus field of young adult rats exposed to ethanol during brain development. Furthermore, single pulse low frequency stimulation, ineffective at this age (LFS600), induced LTD after ethanol exposure accompanied with a stronger response than controls during LFS600, thus revealing an aberrant form of activity-dependent plasticity at this age. Blocking NMDA receptor or GluN2B containing NMDA receptor prevented both the stronger response during LFS600 and LTD whereas Zinc, an antagonist of GluN2A containing NMDA receptor, was ineffective on both responses. In addition, LFS600-induced LTD was revealed in controls only with a reduced-Mg(2+) medium. In whole dissected hippocampus CA1 field, perinatal ethanol exposure increased GluN2B subunit expression in the synaptic compartment whereas GluN2A was unaltered. Using pharmacological tools, we suggest that LFS600 LTD was of synaptic origin. Altogether, we describe a new mechanism by which ethanol exposure during fetal life induces a long-term alteration of synaptic plasticity involving NMDA receptors, leading to an aberrant LTD. We suggest this effect of ethanol may reflect a delayed maturation of the synapse and that aberrant LTD may also participates to long-lasting cognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Neuromodulation and metamodulation by adenosine: Impact and subtleties upon synaptic plasticity regulation

Synaptic plasticity mechanisms, i.e. the sequence of events that underlies persistent changes in synaptic strength as a consequence of transient alteration in neuronal firing, are greatly influenced by the 'chemical atmosphere' of the synapses, that is to say by the presence of molecules at the synaptic cleft able to fine-tune the activity of other molecules more directly related to plasticity. One of those fine tuners is adenosine, known for a long time as an ubiquitous neuromodulator and metamodulator and recognized early as influencing synaptic plasticity. In this review we will refer to the mechanisms that adenosine can use to affect plasticity, emphasizing aspects of the neurobiology of adenosine relevant to its ability to control synaptic functioning. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Brain and Memory.

Normal and abnormal functions of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system revealed by genetic knockout studies

Endogenous adenosine is a widely distributed upstream regulator of a broad spectrum of neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways that converge to contribute to the expression of an array of important brain functions. Over the past decade, the generation and characterization of genetic knockout models for all four G-protein coupled adenosine receptors, the A1 and A2A receptors in particular, has confirmed and extended the neuromodulatory and integrated role of adenosine receptors in the control of a broad spectrum of normal and abnormal brain functions. After a brief introduction of the available adenosine receptor knockout models, this review focuses on findings from the genetic knockout approach, placing particular emphasis on the most recent findings. This review is organized into two sections to separately address (i) the role of adenosine receptors in normal brain processes including neuroplasticity, sleep-wake cycle, motor function, cognition, and emotion-related behaviors; and (ii) their role in the response to various pathologic insults to brain such as ischemic stroke, neurodegeneration, or brain dysfunction/disorders. We largely limit our overview to the prominent adenosine receptor subtypes in brain-the A1 and A2A receptors-for which numerous genetic knockout studies on brain function are available. A1 and A2A receptor knockouts have provided significant new insights into adenosine's control of complex physiologic (e.g., cognition) and pathologic (e.g., neuroinflammation) phenomena. These findings extend and strengthen the support for A1 and A2A receptors in brain as therapeutic targets in several neurologic and psychiatric diseases. However, they also emphasize the importance of considering the disease context-dependent effect when developing adenosine receptor-based therapeutic strategies.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated long-term depression: molecular mechanisms

The ability to modify synaptic transmission between neurons is a fundamental process of the nervous system that is involved in development, learning, and disease. Thus, synaptic plasticity is the ability to bidirectionally modify transmission, where long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) represent the best characterized forms of plasticity. In the hippocampus, two main forms of LTD coexist that are mediated by activation of either N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs) or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Compared with NMDAR-LTD, mGluR-LTD is less well understood, but recent advances have started to delineate the underlying mechanisms. mGluR-LTD at CA3:CA1 synapses in the hippocampus can be induced either by synaptic stimulation or by bath application of the group I selective agonist (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine. Multiple signaling mechanisms have been implicated in mGluR-LTD, illustrating the complexity of this form of plasticity. This review provides an overview of recent studies investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying hippocampal mGluR-LTD. It highlights the role of key molecular components and signaling pathways that are involved in the induction and expression of mGluR-LTD and considers how the different signaling pathways may work together to elicit a persistent reduction in synaptic transmission.

Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors induces long-term depression in the hippocampal CA1 region of adult rats in vitro

Previous studies have implicated that long-term depression (LTD) was developmentally regulated since LTD can be readily induced by low frequency stimulation (LFS) in acute hippocampal slices prepared from juvenile but not adult animals. Here, we have examined the LTD induced by LFS (1Hz, 900 pulses) paired with a certain pattern at the Schaffer collateral-CAl synapse in adult hippocampal slices. We found that, in the 90-day-old rat hippocampus, LTD could be induced reliably by LFS paired with stronger stimulus intensity than that used during baseline recording. However, this synaptic depression could be completely abolished by application of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist (S)-amethyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) which had no effect on that induced by the same protocol in the 16-day-old rat hippocampus. Furthermore, preincubation with group I mGluR antagonist, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) and (S)-2-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (LY367385), also completely prevented the LFS-induced LTD. In contrast, group II mGluR antagonist (2S)-a-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist APV and voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist nimodipine had no effect on the LFS-induced LTD. Taken together, these observations suggest that LFS paired with strong stimulus strength can efficiently induce group I mGluR-dependent LTD in the adult hippocampal CA1 region, proving insight into the functional significance of hippocampal mGluR-mediated LTD in learning and memory.

NF-kappaB regulates spatial memory formation and synaptic plasticity through protein kinase A/CREB signaling

Synaptic activity-dependent de novo gene transcription is crucial for long-lasting neuronal plasticity and long-term memory. In a forebrain neuronal conditional NF-kappaB-deficient mouse model, we demonstrate here that the transcription factor NF-kappaB regulates spatial memory formation, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. Gene profiling experiments and analysis of regulatory regions identified the alpha catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), an essential memory regulator, as a new NF-kappaB target gene. Consequently, NF-kappaB inhibition led to a decrease in forskolin-induced CREB phosphorylation. Collectively, these results disclose a novel hierarchical transcriptional network involving NF-kappaB, PKA, and CREB that leads to concerted nuclear transduction of synaptic signals in neurons, accounting for the critical function of NF-kappaB in learning and memory.

Activation of receptors negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase is required for induction of long-term synaptic depression at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses

Chemical LTD (CLTD) of synaptic transmission is triggered by simultaneously increasing presynaptic [cGMP] while inhibiting PKA. Here, we supply evidence that class II, but not III, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and A1 adenosine receptors, both negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase, play physiologic roles in providing PKA inhibition necessary to promote the induction of LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices. Simultaneous activation of group II mGluRs with the selective agonist (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxy-cyclopropyl) glycine (DCGIV; 5 microM), while raising [cGMP] with the type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (20 microM), resulted in a long-lasting depression of synaptic strength. When zaprinast (20 microM) was combined with a cell-permeant PKA inhibitor H-89 (10 microM), the need for mGluR IIs was bypassed. DCGIV, when combined with a "submaximal" low frequency stimulation (1 Hz/400 s), produced a saturating LTD. The mGluR II selective antagonist, (2S)-alpha-ethylglutamic acid (EGLU; 5 microM), blocked induction of LTD by prolonged low frequency stimulation (1 Hz/900 s). In contrast, the mGluR III selective receptor blocker, (RS)-a-Cyclopropyl-[3- 3H]-4-phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG; 10 microM), did not impair LTD. The selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 100 nM), also blocked induction of LTD, while the adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyl adenosine (CHA; 50 nM) significantly enhanced the magnitude of LTD induced by submaximal LFS and, when paired with zaprinast (20 microM), was sufficient to elicit CLTD. Inhibition of PKA with H-89 rescued the expression of LTD in the presence of either EGLU or DPCPX, confirming the hypothesis that both group II mGluRs and A1 adenosine receptors enhance the induction of LTD by inhibiting adenylate cyclase and reducing PKA activity.

Blockade of presynaptic adenosine A1 receptor responses by nitric oxide and superoxide in rat hippocampus

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors prevents the neuronal responses to adenosine in hippocampal slices. As NMDA receptor activation leads to the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide, we have examined whether these can modify neuronal responses to adenosine and mediate the actions of NMDA. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. Paired-pulse interactions were studied to localize the observed interactions to presynaptic terminals. The NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and diethylamine NONOate induced a long-lasting potentiation (NO-induced potentiation) of field excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and significantly prevented the presynaptic inhibitory effect of adenosine or the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine selectively with no effect on responses to baclofen. The superoxide-generating system of xanthine/xanthine oxidase also prevented presynaptic responses to adenosine and this effect was prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD). The guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 microM) prevented NO-induced potentiation and the inhibitory effects of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and xanthine/xanthine oxidase on adenosine responses. The inhibitory effect of NMDA on adenosine responses was unchanged by 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one, indicating that guanosine-3',5-cyclic monophosphate does not mediate this interaction, although it was partially reduced by SOD, suggesting that superoxide might contribute. The reduction of adenosine responses by electrically-induced long-term potentiation was prevented by NO synthase inhibition or SOD. The results indicate that the presynaptic effects of adenosine at presynaptic sites can be prevented by NO or superoxide but that neither of these individually can fully account for the prevention of adenosine responses by NMDA.

The mechanism of inhibition by xanthine of adenosine A1-receptor responses in rat hippocampus

We have recently observed that the free radical-generating mixture of xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X/XO) can suppress the inhibitory effects of adenosine on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus, but that this action can be mimicked by xanthine alone. We have now clarified the mechanism of these interactions by using the new, potent and highly selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, 1-(3-cyano-4-neopentyloxyphenyl)pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (Y-700). Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. X/XO induced a long-lasting increase of fEPSP slope and significantly reduced the presynaptic inhibitory effect of adenosine. Both these actions were prevented by Y-700 at a concentration of only 200nM. Similarly the superfusion of xanthine alone increased fEPSP slope and reduced sensitivity to adenosine but these effects were also prevented by Y-700. The results indicate that the antagonism of adenosine responses by X/XO or by xanthine alone are entirely attributable to the activity of the added or endogenous XO activity, probably generating free radicals, and are not likely to be caused by a direct antagonistic action at the xanthine-sensitive site on the adenosine receptor.

On long-term depression induced by activation of G-protein coupled receptors

In this mini-review I consider the mechanisms by which activation of glutamate and acetylcholine metabotropic receptors can result in the induction of long-term depression. Two regions of the CNS will receive particular attention; the CA1 region of hippocampus and the perirhinal cortex.

Administration of adenosine receptor agonists or antagonists after controlled cortical impact in mice: effects on function and histopathology

Adenosine is an endogenous neuroprotectant via anti-excitotoxic effects at A(1) receptors, and blood flow promoting and anti-inflammatory effects at A(2a) receptors. Previous studies showed improved motor function after fluid percussion injury (FPI) in rats treated with the broad-spectrum adenosine receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine (2-CA). We studied the effects of 2-CA, a specific A(1) agonist (2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, CCPA), and a specific A(1) antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, DPCPX) on motor task and Morris water maze (MWM) performance, and histopathology (contusion volume, hippocampal cell counts) after controlled cortical impact (CCI) in mice. Each agent (12 nmol), or respective vehicle (saline or DMSO) was injected into dorsal hippocampus beneath the contusion immediately after CCI or craniotomy (sham). 2-CA treatment attenuated wire grip deficits after CCI (P<0.05 versus other treatments). DPCPX treatment exacerbated deficits on beam balance (P<0.05 versus sham). No treatment effect was seen on MWM performance, although there was a deleterious effect of the DMSO vehicle used for DPCPX. Contusion volume tended to be attenuated by 2-CA (P=0.08 versus saline) and increased after either DMSO or DPCPX (P<0.05 versus all groups). CA1 and CA3 counts were decreased in all groups versus sham. However, treatment with the selective A(1) agonist CCPA attenuated the CA3 cell loss (P<0.05 versus other treatment). We suggest that the beneficial effect of the broad spectrum adenosine receptor agonist 2-CA on motor function after CCI is not mediated solely by effects at the A(1) receptor.

Evidence concerning how neurons of the perirhinal cortex may effect familiarity discrimination

Many studies indicate that recognition memory involves at least two separable processes, familiarity discrimination and recollection. Aspects of what is known of potential neuronal substrates of familiarity discrimination are reviewed. Lesion studies have established that familiarity discrimination for individual visual stimuli is effected by a system centred on the perirhinal cortex of the temporal lobe. The fundamental change that encodes prior occurrence of such stimuli appears to be a reduction in the response of neurons in anterior inferior temporal (including perirhinal) cortex when a stimulus is repeated. The neuronal responses rapidly signal the presence of a novel stimulus, and are evidence of long-lasting learning after a single exposure. Computational modelling indicates that a neuronal network based on such a change in responsiveness is potentially highly efficient in information theoretic terms. Processes that occur in long-term depression within the perirhinal cortex provide candidate synaptic plastic mechanisms for that underlying the change, but such linkage remains to be experimentally established.

NMDA receptor-mediated metaplasticity during the induction of long-term depression by low-frequency stimulation

Metaplasticity refers to the activity-dependent modification of the ability of synapses to undergo subsequent synaptic plasticity. Here, we have addressed the question of whether metaplasticity contributes to the induction of long-term depression (LTD) by low-frequency stimulation (LFS). The experiments were conducted using standard extracellular recording techniques in stratum radiatum of area CA1 in hippocampal slices made from adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The degree of LTD induction was found to be a nonlinear function of the number of pulses during a 1-Hz LFS. Little LTD was observed following 600 or 900 pulses, but a significant LTD occurred following 1200 pulses of LFS, whether delivered in one episode, or in two bouts of 600 pulses given 10 min apart. A similar pattern was observed for 3 Hz LFS. The data support the suggestion that pulses occurring early in the LFS train prime synapses for LTD induction, as triggered by later occurring stimuli. The priming effect lasted at least 120 min, when tested by giving two bouts of 1 Hz LFS (600 pulses each) at different intervals. Neither heterosynaptic nor homosynaptic stimulation by itself was sufficient to prime LTD. However, a combination of the stimuli, induced by increased stimulus strength during the LFS, appeared necessary for inducing the effect. An N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist markedly reduced total LTD induction, regardless of whether it was administered during the first or second LFS in a protocol employing two bouts of 600 pulse LFS, 30 min apart. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that NMDA receptor-dependent metaplasticity processes contribute to the induction of LTD during standard LFS protocols.

Long-term depression: a cascade of induction and expression mechanisms

The aims of this paper are to provide a comprehensive and up to date review of the mechanisms of induction and expression of long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission. The review will focus largely on homosynaptic LTD and other forms of LTD will be considered only where appropriate for a fuller understanding of LTD mechanisms. We shall concentrate on what are felt to be some of the most interesting recent findings concerning LTD in the central nervous system. Wherever possible we shall try to consider some of the disparities in results and possible reasons for these. Finally, we shall briefly consider some of the possible functional consequences of LTD for normal physiological function.

Dissociation between synaptic depression and block of long-term depression induced by raising the temperature in rat hippocampal slices

The influence of raising the bath temperature (39 degrees C) on synaptic transmission and neuronal plasticity was studied in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus using an extracellular recording technique. Increasing the bath temperature from 32 to 39 degrees C resulted in a depression of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP). Application of the selective A(1) receptor agonist, 2-chloro-adenosine (2-CADO, 1 microM) reduced the fEPSP and subsequently occluded the raised temperature-induced synaptic depression. On the other hand, the selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) blocked depression of fEPSP produced by raising the temperature. These results suggest that raising temperature-induced synaptic depression is due to an alteration of extracellular adenosine concentration. Long-term depression (LTD) could be reliably induced by the standard low-frequency stimulation (LFS, 1 Hz for 15 min) protocol at 32 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C. The raised temperature-induced block of LTD was mimicked by 2-CADO. Unexpectedly, despite the presence of DPCPX, LFS still could not elicit LTD. NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic component (fEPSP(NMDA)) was decreased when increasing the temperature to 39 degrees C and DPCPX failed to reverse such a depression. The increase in the NMDA response in 0.1 mM Mg(++) compared with 1 mM Mg(++) was significantly greater at 32 degrees C than at 39 degrees C. These results suggest that, by increasing the sensitivity of Mg(++) block, an increase in temperature modulates NMDA responses and thereby inhibits the induction of LTD.

A transient increase in temperature induces persistent potentiation of synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal slices

Previous studies have shown that increasing the temperature of rat hippocampal brain slices from 32.5 to 38.5 degrees C initiates a profound, adenosine-mediated decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission in the CA1 region. Here we found that upon lowering the temperature back to 32.5 degrees C, the amplitude of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential often recovers to a level that is significantly potentiated with respect to the initial baseline. This potentiation is rapid in onset (< 5min following return to 32.5 degrees C) and long lasting (>60min following the termination of the increase in temperature). Similar effects could not be induced by superfusion with adenosine alone, and adenosine receptor antagonists did not block the potentiation. Therefore, although an adenosine-mediated decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission occurs during the temperature increase, it is unrelated to the potentiation. Likewise, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation is not required, as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists do not influence this form of potentiation. In summary, we propose that transiently increasing brain slice temperature represents a novel way to induce synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and may provide a paradigm to elucidate additional cellular mechanisms involved in functional plasticity.

Long-term potentiation observed upon blockade of adenosine A1 receptors in rat hippocampus is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent

Endogenous adenosine, acting upon A(1) receptors, attenuates long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices. Adenosine might exert these effects by inhibiting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor. Theta burst-induced LTP was larger in the presence of the selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist, 1, 3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 50nM, 40.5+/-6.6% increase in fEPSP) than in the control solution (18.2+/-4.7% increase), and was completely prevented in the presence of DPCPX (50nM) plus the selective NMDA receptor antagonist, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP5, 50microM, -3.3+/-7.0% change). In contrast, LTD was induced by low-frequency stimulation in the presence of DPCPX (50nM), even in experiments performed in AP5 (50microM). Thus LTP, but not LTD, observed upon blockade of adenosine A(1) receptors is dependent upon NMDA receptor activation.

Adenosine modulates synaptic plasticity in hippocampal slices from aged rats

Adenosine is known to modulate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of young animals through activation of adenosine A1 receptors. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether the modulatory role of adenosine on phenomena of synaptic plasticity is maintained or modified in the hippocampus of aged animals. We compared the effects of the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 50 nM), on paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), long-term depression (LTD), long-term potentiation (LTP) and depotentiation elicited in hippocampal slices taken from young adult (5-6 weeks) and old (2 years old) male Wistar rats. DPCPX attenuated PPF both in young (1.64 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.76 +/- 0.05%, n = 6) and in old rats (1.33 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.55 +/- 0.1%, n = 6). LTD was only observed in the presence of DPCPX in both young (21.3 +/- 0.6%, n = 4) and old rats (14.4 +/- 0.9%, n = 6). LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation (HFS) was not significantly different in young and old animals, in the presence or in the absence of DPCPX. A larger depotentiation was observed in the presence of DPCPX in young rats (27.6 +/- 4.4% vs. 16.8 +/- 4.7%, n = 7) as well as in old rats (41.3 +/- 5.1% vs. 16.1 +/- 2.7%, n = 6). LTP induced by theta-burst stimulation was observed only in the presence of DPCPX (53.9 +/- 4.9%, n = 5) in young rats, but could be obtained either in the control solution (81.8 +/- 17.9%, n = 7) or in the presence of DPCPX (98.5 +/- 24.2%, n = 7) in old rats. The modulatory role of endogenous adenosine on synaptic plasticity is generally maintained in aged animals. Drugs interfering with adenosine A1 receptor effects could then be used in old animals to modify synaptic plasticity with relevant behavioural consequences.

Input-and layer-dependent synaptic plasticity in the rat perirhinal cortex in vitro

The perirhinal cortex is crucially important in several forms of memory. Whilst it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of this role in memory, little is known about the synaptic physiology or plasticity of this region of transitional cortex. In this study, we recorded evoked field potentials in superficial layers (approximately layer I) of the perirhinal cortex in vitro. One stimulating electrode was placed on the temporal side and the other on the entorhinal side of the rhinal sulcus in either the superficial or intermediate layers (approximately layers II/III). Paired stimuli resulted in depression of the second response. Paired-pulse depression was maximal at a 200-ms interpulse interval. Low-frequency stimulation resulted in synaptic depression, which returned to baseline within 60 min. The magnitude of both paired-pulse depression and low-frequency stimulation-induced depression was significantly greater at synapses activated from the temporal intermediate pathway than the other three pathways. Long-term potentiation, stable for at least 60 min, was induced by high-frequency stimulation of intermediate but not superficial pathways. Long-lasting depression (depotentiation) was induced by low-frequency stimulation following the induction of long-term potentiation. The induction of both long-term potentiation and depotentiation was N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor dependent. The group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (S)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine was without effect on either of these forms of plasticity. Thus, both long- and short-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity exist at synapses in the perirhinal cortex, and these may mediate the changes in neuronal responses associated with visual recognition memory.