Synaptic activation of AMPA receptors inhibits GABA release from cerebellar interneurons

Perampanel increases seizure threshold in pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice and improves behavioral dysfunctions by modifying mRNA expression levels of BDNF/TrkB and inflammatory markers

Perampanel (PER), a novel 3rd-generation antiseizure drug that modulates altered post-synaptic glutamatergic storming by selectively inhibiting AMPA receptors, is recently approved to treat intractable forms of seizures. However, to date, presumably consequences of long-term PER therapy on the comorbid deleterious psychiatric disturbances and its correlation with neuroinflammatory parameters are not fully investigated in chronic models of epilepsy. Therefore, we investigated the real-time effect of PER on brain electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, behavioral alterations, redox balance, and relative mRNA expression in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced kindling. Male BALB/c mice were pretreated with PER (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) for 3 weeks and challenged with 11 injections of PTZ at the sub-threshold dose of 40 mg/kg every other day. vEEG from implanted cortical electrodes was monitored to elucidate seizure propagation and behavioral manifestations. Recorded EEG signals exhibited that PER 0.5 mg/kg pretreatment exceptionally impeded the onset of sharp epileptic spike-wave discharges and associated motor symptoms. Additionally, qEEG analysis showed that PER prevented alterations in absolute mean spectral power and reduced RMS amplitude of epileptogenic spikes vs PTZ control. Furthermore, our outcomes illustrated that PER dose-dependently attenuated PTZ-evoked anxiety-like behavior, memory deficits, and depressive-like behavior that was validated by a series of behavioral experiments. Moreover PER, significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, AChE, and increased levels of SOD and total thiol in the mice brain via AMPAR antagonism. Post-PTZ kindling provoked overstimulation of BDNF/TrkB signaling and increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that were reversed by PER with suppression of iNOS in brain immune cells. In conclusion, our findings highlight that PER might play an auspicious preventive role in the proepileptic transformation of brain circuits via suppression of BDNF/TrkB signaling and reduced transcriptional levels of neuroinflammatory markers leading to improvised epilepsy-induced neurobehavioral and neurochemical effects.

Afferent convergence to a shared population of interneuron AMPA receptors

Precise alignment of pre- and postsynaptic elements optimizes the activation of glutamate receptors at excitatory synapses. Nonetheless, glutamate that diffuses out of the synaptic cleft can have actions at distant receptors, a mode of transmission called spillover. To uncover the extrasynaptic actions of glutamate, we localized AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediating spillover transmission between climbing fibers and molecular layer interneurons in the cerebellar cortex. We found that climbing fiber spillover generates calcium transients mediated by Ca2+-permeable AMPARs at parallel fiber synapses. Spillover occludes parallel fiber synaptic currents, indicating that separate, independently regulated afferent pathways converge onto a common pool of AMPARs. Together these findings demonstrate a circuit motif wherein glutamate 'spill-in' from an unconnected afferent pathway co-opts synaptic receptors, allowing activation of postsynaptic AMPARs even when canonical glutamate release is suppressed.

Cerebro-Cerebellar Networks in Migraine Symptoms and Headache

The cerebellum is associated with the biology of migraine in a variety of ways. Clinically, symptoms such as fatigue, motor weakness, vertigo, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and finding words, nausea, and visual disturbances are common in different types of migraine. The neural basis of these symptoms is complex, not completely known, and likely involve activation of both specific and shared circuits throughout the brain. Posterior circulation stroke, or neurosurgical removal of posterior fossa tumors, as well as anatomical tract tracing in animals, provided the first insights to theorize about cerebellar functions. Nowadays, with the addition of functional imaging, much progress has been done on cerebellar structure and function in health and disease, and, as a consequence, the theories refined. Accordingly, the cerebellum may be useful but not necessary for the execution of motor, sensory or cognitive tasks, but, rather, would participate as an efficiency facilitator of neurologic functions by improving speed and skill in performance of tasks produced by the cerebral area to which it is reciprocally connected. At the subcortical level, critical regions in these processes are the basal ganglia and thalamic nuclei. Altogether, a modulatory role of the cerebellum over multiple brain regions appears compelling, mainly by considering the complexity of its reciprocal connections to common neural networks involved in motor, vestibular, cognitive, affective, sensory, and autonomic processing—all functions affected at different phases and degrees across the migraine spectrum. Despite the many associations between cerebellum and migraine, it is not known whether this structure contributes to migraine initiation, symptoms generation or headache. Specific cerebellar dysfunction via genetically driven excitatory/inhibitory imbalances, oligemia and/or increased risk to white matter lesions has been proposed as a critical contributor to migraine pathogenesis. Therefore, given that neural projections and functions of many brainstem, midbrain and forebrain areas are shared between the cerebellum and migraine trigeminovascular pathways, this review will provide a synopsis on cerebellar structure and function, its role in trigeminal pain, and an updated overview of relevant clinical and preclinical literature on the potential role of cerebellar networks in migraine pathophysiology.

Successful use of perampanel in GABRA1-related myoclonic epilepsy with photosensitivity

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Generalized epilepsies with variants in GABRA1 may be a treatment challenge when myoclonus remains drug-resistant.

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Photosensitivity may be particularly disabling and is without feature-specific treatments.

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We describe an adolescent with GABRA1 mutation and photosensitivity who improved with PER.

Pathogenic variants in gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha1 (GABRA1) is a protein coding gene that has been associated with a broad phenotypic spectrum of epilepsies. These have ranged from mild generalized forms to early-onset severe epileptic encephalopathies. Both in mild and in severe forms, tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures with generalized spike and wave discharges and photoparoxysmal responses are common clinical manifestations. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl referred to our clinic with uncontrolled epilepsy. She was found to carry a heterozygous variant (c.335G > A) in GABRA1, already described in the literature and classified as “pathogenic” according to ACMG guidelines. The patient showed severe drug resistance with seizures often triggered by photic stimulation. The introduction of perampanel therapy led to overall reduction of the focal and generalized myoclonic seizures and complete clinical control of the light-triggered seizures.

To our knowledge this is the first report of perampanel efficacy in photosensitive epilepsy, and in particular in the presence of a GABRA1 variant. New evidence is needed to confirm our findings in this case.

Topographical distance between presynaptic Ca2+ channels and exocytotic Ca2+ sensors contributes to differential facilitatory actions of roscovitine on neurotransmitter release at cerebellar glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses

Calcium influx into presynaptic terminals through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels triggers univesicular or multivesicular release of neurotransmitters depending on the characteristics of the release machinery. However, the mechanisms underlying multivesicular release (MVR) and its regulation remain unclear. Previous studies showed that in rat cerebellum, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine profoundly increases excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) amplitudes at granule cell (GC)-Purkinje cell (PC) synapses by enhancing the MVR of glutamate. This compound can also moderately augment the amplitude and prolong the decay time of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) at molecular layer interneuron (MLI)-PC synapses via MVR enhancement and GABA spillover, thus allowing for persistent activation of perisynaptic GABA receptors. The enhanced MVR may depend on the driving force for Ca_v 2.1 channel-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. To determine whether the distinct spatiotemporal dynamics of presynaptic Ca²⁺ influence MVR, we compared the effects of slow and fast Ca²⁺ chelators, that is, EGTA and BAPTA, respectively, on roscovitine-induced actions at GC-PC and MLI-PC synapses. Membrane-permeable EGTA-AM decreased GC-PC EPSC and MLI-PC IPSC amplitudes to a similar extent but suppressed the roscovitine-induced enhancement of EPSCs. In contrast, BAPTA-AM attenuated the effects of roscovitine on IPSCs. These results suggest that roscovitine augmented glutamate release by activating the release machinery located distally from the Ca_v 2.1 channel clusters, while it enhanced GABA release in a manner less dependent on those at distal sites. Therefore, the spatial relationships among Ca²⁺ channels, buffers, and sensors are critical determinants of the differential facilitatory actions of roscovitine on glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in the cerebellar cortex.

Presynaptic AMPA Receptors in Health and Disease

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play a major role in excitatory neurotransmission. AMPARs are located at both presynaptic and postsynaptic plasma membranes. A huge number of studies investigated the role of postsynaptic AMPARs in the normal and abnormal functioning of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). These studies highlighted that changes in the functional properties or abundance of postsynaptic AMPARs are major mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity phenomena, providing molecular explanations for the processes of learning and memory. Conversely, the role of AMPARs at presynaptic terminals is as yet poorly clarified. Accruing evidence demonstrates that presynaptic AMPARs can modulate the release of various neurotransmitters. Recent studies also suggest that presynaptic AMPARs may possess double ionotropic-metabotropic features and that they are involved in the local regulation of actin dynamics in both dendritic and axonal compartments. In addition, evidence suggests a key role of presynaptic AMPARs in axonal pathology, in regulation of pain transmission and in the physiology of the auditory system. Thus, it appears that presynaptic AMPARs play an important modulatory role in nerve terminal activity, making them attractive as novel pharmacological targets for a variety of pathological conditions.

mTOR Knockdown in the Infralimbic Cortex Evokes A Depressive-like State in Mouse

Fast and sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as the main modulator of its antidepressive effects. Thus, mTOR signaling has become integral for the preclinical evaluation of novel compounds to treat depression. However, causality between mTOR and depression has yet to be determined. To address this, we knocked down mTOR expression in mice using an acute intracerebral infusion of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in the infralimbic (IL) or prelimbic (PrL) cortices of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and evaluated depressive- and anxious-like behaviors. mTOR knockdown in IL, but not PrL, cortex produced a robust depressive-like phenotype in mice, as assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). This phenotype was associated with significant reductions of mTOR mRNA and protein levels 48 h post-infusion. In parallel, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was found bilaterally in both IL and PrL cortices along with a dysregulation of serotonin (5-HT) and glutamate (Glu) release in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Overall, our results demonstrate causality between mTOR expression in the IL cortex and depressive-like behaviors, but not in anxiety.

The anxiolytic effect of perampanel and possible mechanisms mediating its anxiolytic effect in mice

AIMS

The aim of this study is to investigate the anxiolytic activity of perampanel, a non-competitive antagonist of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors, which is approved for partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy, and its mechanism of action.

MAIN METHODS

The anxiolytic activity of perampanel at the doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) was investigated in mice using elevated plus-maze, hole-board, and open-field tests. The findings were compared to the anxiolytic activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A benzodiazepine (GABA_A/BZ) receptor allosteric modulator diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and AMPA antagonist GYKI-53655 (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The mechanisms of action of perampanel were evaluated by pre-treatment with GABA_A/BZ receptor antagonist flumazenil (3 mg/kg, i.p.), serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT_1A) antagonist WAY-100635 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and α₂-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine (5 mg/kg, i.p.).

KEY FINDINGS

In the elevated plus-maze and open-field tests, perampanel at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg, and in the hole-board test, at the doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg demonstrated an anxiolytic effect without altering the locomotor activity. The effect of perampanel was comparable to the effect of diazepam. Stimulation of GABA_A/BZ and α₂-adrenergic receptors contributed to the anxiolytic effect of perampanel, since significant antagonisms were determined in various behavioral parameters by the antagonist pre-treatments.

SIGNIFICANCE

AMPA antagonism is believed to provide the determined anxiolytic activity of perampanel. Increased GABAergic tonus induced by AMPA receptor antagonism along with other systems, especially the noradrenergic system, might be involved in the anxiolytic activity.

Roscovitine differentially facilitates cerebellar glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission by enhancing Cav 2.1 channel-mediated multivesicular release

Synaptic vesicle exocytosis is triggered by Ca²⁺ influx through several subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels in the presynaptic terminal. We previously reported that paired-pulse stimulation at brief intervals increases Ca_v 2.1 (P/Q-type) channel-mediated multivesicular release (MVR) at glutamatergic synapses between granule cells (GCs) and molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) in rat cerebellar slices. However, it has yet to be determined how Ca_v 2 channel subtypes take part in MVR in single axon terminal. This study therefore aimed at examining the effects of roscovitine on different types of cerebellar synapses that make contacts with Purkinje cells (PCs), because this compound has been shown to enhance Ca_v 2.1 channel-mediated MVR at GC-MLI synapses. Bath application of roscovitine profoundly increased the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at GC-PC synapses by a presynaptic mechanism as previously observed at GC-MLI synapses, whereas it caused a marginal effect on climbing fiber-mediated EPSCs in PCs. At MLI-PC synapses, roscovitine increased both the amplitude and decay time of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) by enhancing multivesicular GABA release. When extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_e ) decreased, roscovitine became less effective in increasing GC-PC EPSCs. By contrast, roscovitine was able to augment MLI-PC IPSCs in the low [Ca²⁺ ]_e . The Ca_v 2.1 channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA suppressed the roscovitine-induced facilitatory actions on both GC-PC EPSCs and MLI-PC IPSCs. These results demonstrate that roscovitine enhances MVR at the GC-PC excitatory synapses in a manner dependent on the driving force of Ca_v 2.1 channel-mediated Ca²⁺ influx into the nerve terminal, while it also facilitates MLI-PC inhibitory transmission via Ca²⁺ -insensitive mechanisms.

Pursuit of Neurotransmitter Functions: Being Attracted with Fascination of the Synapse

In the beginning of the 1970s, only two chemical substances, acetylcholine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), had been definitely established as neurotransmitters. Under such circumstances, I started my scientific career in Professor Masanori Otsuka's lab searching for the transmitter of primary sensory neurons. Until 1976, lines of evidence had accumulated indicating that the undecapeptide substance P could be released as a transmitter from primary afferent fibers into spinal synapses, although the substance P-mediated synaptic response had yet to be identified. Peripheral synapses could serve as a good model and thus, it was demonstrated in the prevertebral sympathetic ganglia by1985 that substance P released from axon collaterals of primary sensory neurons acts as the transmitter mediating non-cholinergic slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). At that time, we also found that autonomic synapses were useful to uncover the transmitter role of the opioid peptide enkephalins, whose functions had been unknown since their discovery in 1975. Accordingly, enkephalins were found to serve a transmitter role in mediating presynaptic inhibition of cholinergic fast and non-cholinergic slow transmission in the prevertebral sympathetic ganglia. In 1990s, we attempted to devise a combined technique of brain slices and patch-clamp recordings. We applied it to study the regulatory mechanisms that operate around cerebellar GABAergic inhibitory synapses, because most of the studies then had centered on excitatory synapses and because inhibitory synapses are crucially involved in brain functions and disorders. Consequently, we discovered novel forms of heterosynaptic interactions, dual actions of a single transmitter, and receptor crosstalk, the details of which are described in this review.

Presynaptic PICK1 facilitates trafficking of AMPA-receptors between active zone and synaptic vesicle pool

Previous studies have indicated that presynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors (AMPARs) contribute to the regulation of neurotransmitter release. In hippocampal synapses, the presynaptic surface expression of several AMPAR subunits, including GluA2, is regulated in a ligand-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the presynaptic trafficking of AMPARs are still unknown. Here, using bright-field immunocytochemistry, western blots, and quantitative immunogold electron microscopy of the hippocampal CA1 area from intact adult rat brain, we demonstrate the association of AMPA receptors with the presynaptic active zone and with small presynaptic vesicles, in Schaffer collateral synapses in CA1 of the hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that GluA2 and protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) are colocalized at presynaptic vesicles. Similar to postsynaptic mechanisms, overexpression of either PICK1 or pep2m, which inhibit the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF)-GluA2 interaction, decreases the concentration of GluA2 in the presynaptic active zone membrane. These data suggest that the interacting proteins PICK1 and NSF act as regulators of presynaptic GluA2-containing AMPAR trafficking between the active zone and a vesicle pool that may provide the basis of presynaptic components of synaptic plasticity.

The inhibitory input to mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells is reciprocally modulated by Bergmann glial P2Y1 and AMPA receptor signaling

Synaptic transmission has been shown to be modulated by glial functions, but the modes of specific glial action may vary in different neural circuits. We have tested the hypothesis, if Bergmann GLIA (BG) are involved in shaping neuronal communication in the mouse cerebellar cortex, using acutely isolated cerebellar slices of wild-type (WT) and of glia-specific receptor knockout mice. Activation of P2Y1 receptors by ADP (100 µM) or glutamatergic receptors by AMPA (0.3 µM) resulted in a robust, reversible and repeatable rise of evoked inhibitory input in Purkinje cells by 80% and 150%, respectively. The ADP-induced response was suppressed by prior application of AMPA, and the AMPA-induced response was suppressed by prior application of ADP. Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of either receptor restored the response to the other receptor agonist. Both ADP and AMPA responses were sensitive to Rose Bengal, which blocks vesicular glutamate uptake, and to the NMDA receptor antagonist D-AP5. Our results provide strong evidence that activation of both ADP and AMPA receptors, located on BGs, results in the release of glutamate, which in turn activates inhibitory interneurons via NMDA-type glutamate receptors. This infers that BG cells, by means of metabotropic signaling via their AMPA and P2Y1 receptors, which mutually suppress each other, would interdependently contribute to the fine-tuning of Purkinje cell activity in the cerebellar cortex. GLIA 2016. GLIA 2016;64:1265-1280.

mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 rescues NMDA and GABAA receptor level deficits induced in a two-hit mouse model of schizophrenia

RATIONALE

An imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission underlies the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia. Agonists of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR2/3, have been proposed as novel therapeutic agents to correct this imbalance. However, the influence of mGluR2/3 activity on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors has not been explored.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the ability of a novel mGluR2/3 agonist, LY379268, to modulate the availability of the excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyrate-A receptor (GABAA-R), in a two-hit mouse model of schizophrenia.

METHODS

Wild type (WT) and heterozygous neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain mutant mice (NRG1 HET) were treated daily with phencyclidine (10 mg/kg ip) or saline for 14 days. After a 14-day washout, an acute dose of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 (3 mg/kg), olanzapine (antipsychotic drug comparison, 1.5 mg/kg), or saline was administered. NMDA-R and GABAA-R binding densities were examined by receptor autoradiography in several schizophrenia-relevant brain regions.

RESULTS

In both WT and NRG1 HET mice, phencyclidine treatment significantly reduced NMDA-R and GABAA-R binding density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. Acute treatment with LY379268 restored NMDA-R and GABAA-R levels in the two-hit mouse model comparable to olanzapine.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 restores excitatory and inhibitory deficits with similar efficiency as olanzapine in our two-hit schizophrenia mouse model. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of LY379268 and supports the use of agents aimed at mGluR2/3.

Presynaptic ionotropic glutamate receptors modulate GABA release in the mouse dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

Regulation of GABA release in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) potently influences vagal output to the viscera. The presence of functional ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) on GABAergic terminals that rapidly alter GABA release onto DMV motor neurons has been suggested previously, but the receptor subtypes contributing to the response are unknown. We examined the effect of selective activation and inhibition of iGluRs on tetrodotoxin-insensitive, miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in DMV neurons using patch-clamp recordings in brainstem slices from mice. Capsaicin, which activates transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors and increases mIPSC frequency in the DMV via an iGluR-mediated, heterosynaptic mechanism, was also applied to assess GABA release subsequent to capsaicin-stimulated glutamate release. Application of glutamate, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), or kainic acid (KA), but not AMPA, resulted in increased mIPSC frequency in most neurons. Inhibition of AMPA/KA receptors reduced mIPSC frequency, but selective antagonism of AMPA receptors did not alter GABA release, implicating the presence of presynaptic KA receptors on GABAergic terminals. Whereas NMDA application increased mIPSC frequency, blocking NMDA receptors was without effect, indicating that presynaptic NMDA receptors were present, but not activated by ambient glutamate levels in the slice. The effect of NMDA was prevented by AMPA/KA receptor blockade, suggesting indirect involvement of NMDA receptors. The stimulatory effect of capsaicin on GABA release was prevented when AMPA/KA or NMDA, but not AMPA receptors were blocked. Results of these studies indicate that presynaptic NMDAR and KA receptors regulate GABA release in the DMV, representing a heterosynaptic arrangement for rapidly modulating parasympathetic output, especially when synaptic excitation is elevated.

Transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein γ-2 is required for the modulation of GABA release by presynaptic AMPARs

Presynaptic ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) play important roles in the control of synaptogenesis and neurotransmitter release, yet their regulation is poorly understood. In particular, the contribution of transmembrane auxiliary proteins, which profoundly shape the trafficking and gating of somatodendritic iGluRs, is unknown. Here we examined the influence of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs) on presynaptic AMPARs in cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs). 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), a partial agonist at TARP-associated AMPARs, enhanced spontaneous GABA release in wild-type mice but not in stargazer mice that lack the prototypical TARP stargazin (γ-2). These findings were replicated in mechanically dissociated Purkinje cells with functional adherent synaptic boutons, demonstrating the presynaptic locus of modulation. In dissociated Purkinje cells from stargazer mice, AMPA was able to enhance mIPSC frequency, but only in the presence of the positive allosteric modulator cyclothiazide. Thus, ordinarily, presynaptic AMPARs are unable to enhance spontaneous release without γ-2, which is required predominantly for its effects on channel gating. Presynaptic AMPARs are known to reduce action potential-driven GABA release from MLIs. Although a G-protein-dependent non-ionotropic mechanism has been suggested to underlie this inhibition, paradoxically we found that γ-2, and thus AMPAR gating, was required. Following glutamate spillover from climbing fibers or application of CNQX, evoked GABA release was reduced; in stargazer mice such effects were markedly attenuated in acute slices and abolished in the dissociated Purkinje cell-nerve bouton preparation. We suggest that γ-2 association, by increasing charge transfer, allows presynaptic AMPARs to depolarize the bouton membrane sufficiently to modulate both phasic and spontaneous release.

Cav2.1 channels control multivesicular release by relying on their distance from exocytotic Ca2+ sensors at rat cerebellar granule cells

The concomitant release of multiple numbers of synaptic vesicles [multivesicular release (MVR)] in response to a single presynaptic action potential enhances the flexibility of synaptic transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MVR at a single CNS synapse remain unclear. Here, we show that the Cav2.1 subtype (P/Q-type) of the voltage-gated calcium channel is specifically responsible for the induction of MVR. In the rat cerebellar cortex, paired-pulse activation of granule cell (GC) ascending fibers leads not only to a facilitation of the peak amplitude (PPFamp) but also to a prolongation of the decay time (PPPdecay) of the EPSCs recorded from molecular layer interneurons. PPFamp is elicited by a transient increase in the number of released vesicles. PPPdecay is highly dependent on MVR and is caused by dual mechanisms: (1) a delayed release and (2) an extrasynaptic spillover of the GC transmitter glutamate and subsequent pooling of the glutamate among active synapses. PPPdecay was specifically suppressed by the Cav2.1 channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA, while PPFamp responded to Cav2.2/Cav2.3 (N-type/R-type) channel blockers. The membrane-permeable slow Ca(2+) chelator EGTA-AM profoundly reduced the decay time constant (τdecay) of the second EPSC; however, it only had a negligible impact on that of the first, thereby eliminating PPPdecay. These results suggest that the distance between presynaptic Cav2.1 channels and exocytotic Ca(2+) sensors is a key determinant of MVR. By transducing presynaptic action potential firings into unique Ca(2+) signals and vesicle release profiles, Cav2.1 channels contribute to the encoding and processing of neural information.

Emergence of a 600-Hz buzz UP state Purkinje cell firing in alert mice

Purkinje cell (PC) firing represents the sole output from the cerebellar cortex onto the deep cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. Here, we explored the different modes of PC firing in alert mice by extracellular recording. We confirm the existence of a tonic and/or bursting and quiescent modes corresponding to UP and DOWN state, respectively. We demonstrate the existence of a novel 600-Hz buzz UP state of firing characterized by simple spikes (SS) of very small amplitude. Climbing fiber (CF) input is able to switch the 600-Hz buzz to the DOWN state, as for the classical UP-to-DOWN state transition. Conversely, the CF input can initiate a typical SS pattern terminating into 600-Hz buzz. The 600-Hz buzz was transiently suppressed by whisker pad stimulation demonstrating that it remained responsive to peripheral input. It must not be mistaken for a DOWN state or the sign of PC inhibition. Complex spike (CS) frequency was increased during the 600-Hz buzz, indicating that this PC output actively contributes to the cerebello-olivary loop by triggering a disinhibition of the inferior olive. During the 600-Hz buzz, the first depolarizing component of the CS was reduced and the second depolarizing component was suppressed. Consistent with our experimental observations, using a 559-compartment single-PC model - in which PC UP state (of about -43mV) was obtained by the combined action of large tonic AMPA conductances and counterbalancing GABAergic inhibition - removal of this inhibition produced the 600-Hz buzz; the simulated buzz frequency decreased following an artificial CS.

The organization of plasticity in the cerebellar cortex: from synapses to control

The cerebellum is thought to play a critical role in procedural learning, but the relationship between this function and the underlying cellular and synaptic mechanisms remains largely speculative. At present, at least nine forms of long-term synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity (some of which are bidirectional) have been reported in the cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei. These include long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression at the mossy fiber-granule cell synapse, at the synapses formed by parallel fibers, climbing fibers, and molecular layer interneurons on Purkinje cells, and at the synapses formed by mossy fibers and Purkinje cells on deep cerebellar nuclear cells, as well as LTP of intrinsic excitability in granule cells, Purkinje cells, and deep cerebellar nuclear cells. It is suggested that the complex properties of cerebellar learning would emerge from the distribution of plasticity in the network and from its dynamic remodeling during the different phases of learning. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors may hold the key to explain how the different forms of plasticity cooperate to select specific transmission channels and to regulate the signal-to-noise ratio through the cerebellar cortex. These factors include regulation of neuronal excitation by local inhibitory networks, engagement of specific molecular mechanisms by spike bursts and theta-frequency oscillations, and gating by external neuromodulators. Therefore, a new and more complex view of cerebellar plasticity is emerging with respect to that predicted by the original "Motor Learning Theory," opening issues that will require experimental and computational testing.

Depolarization-induced depression of inhibitory transmission in cerebellar Purkinje cells

Several forms of depolarization-induced plasticity in inhibitory transmission have been reported to occur in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), namely depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), depolarization-induced potentiation of inhibition (DPI), and rebound potentiation (RP). Here, we describe another form of synaptic plasticity for gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission in PCs. Immediately following depolarization trains in a PC, evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) changed their direction from outward to inward currents under a recording condition in which eIPSCs were elicited as an outward current. Subsequently, the eIPSC amplitude remained depressed (depolarization-induced depression of inhibition [DDI]) for more than 20 min under the blockade of cannabinoid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor-mediated DSI and DPI, respectively. This DDI was completely abolished by intracellular infusion of the fast Ca(2+)-chelating agent BAPTA and by inhibition of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Furthermore, DDI was strongly suppressed by calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) blockers, while an inhibitor of cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) partially blocked DDI during the early phase. Exogenous GABA-induced inhibition of spontaneous spike activity was attenuated in ∼50% of the PCs by climbing fiber stimulation-induced depolarization. These results suggest that activation of both CaCCs and CCCs was necessary for alteration of [Cl(-)]i after activation of CaMKII following elevation of [Ca(2+)]i in PCs. DDI may provide another mechanism for regulation of inhibitory inputs to PCs within the neuronal networks of the cerebellar cortex.

The Cav3-Kv4 complex acts as a calcium sensor to maintain inhibitory charge transfer during extracellular calcium fluctuations

Synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability depend on the concentration of extracellular calcium ([Ca](o)), yet repetitive synaptic input is known to decrease [Ca](o) in numerous brain regions. In the cerebellar molecular layer, synaptic input reduces [Ca](o) by up to 0.4 mm in the vicinity of stellate cell interneurons and Purkinje cell dendrites. The mechanisms used to maintain network excitability and Purkinje cell output in the face of this rapid change in calcium gradient have remained an enigma. Here we use single and dual patch recordings in an in vitro slice preparation of Sprague Dawley rats to investigate the effects of physiological decreases in [Ca](o) on the excitability of cerebellar stellate cells and their inhibitory regulation of Purkinje cells. We find that a Ca(v)3-K(v)4 ion channel complex expressed in stellate cells acts as a calcium sensor that responds to a decrease in [Ca]o by dynamically adjusting stellate cell output to maintain inhibitory charge transfer to Purkinje cells. The Ca(v)3-K(v)4 complex thus enables an adaptive regulation of inhibitory input to Purkinje cells during fluctuations in [Ca](o), providing a homeostatic control mechanism to regulate Purkinje cell excitability during repetitive afferent activity.

Spillover-mediated feedforward inhibition functionally segregates interneuron activity

Neurotransmitter spillover represents a form of neural transmission not restricted to morphologically defined synaptic connections. Communication between climbing fibers (CFs) and molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) in the cerebellum is mediated exclusively by glutamate spillover. Here, we show how CF stimulation functionally segregates MLIs based on their location relative to glutamate release. Excitation of MLIs that reside within the domain of spillover diffusion coordinates inhibition of MLIs outside the diffusion limit. CF excitation of MLIs is dependent on extrasynaptic NMDA receptors that enhance the spatial and temporal spread of CF signaling. Activity mediated by functionally segregated MLIs converges onto neighboring Purkinje cells (PCs) to generate a long-lasting biphasic change in inhibition. These data demonstrate how glutamate release from single CFs modulates excitability of neighboring PCs, thus expanding the influence of CFs on cerebellar cortical activity in a manner not predicted by anatomical connectivity.

Enhanced inhibitory neurotransmission in the cerebellar cortex of Atp1a3-deficient heterozygous mice

Dystonia is characterized by excessive involuntary and prolonged simultaneous contractions of both agonist and antagonist muscles. Although the basal ganglia have long been proposed as the primary region, recent studies indicated that the cerebellum also plays a key role in the expression of dystonia. One hereditary form of dystonia, rapid-onset dystonia with parkinsonism (RDP), is caused by loss of function mutations of the gene for the Na pump α3 subunit (ATP1A3). Little information is available on the affected brain regions and mechanism for dystonia by the mutations in RDP. The Na pump is composed of α and β subunits and maintains ionic gradients of Na(+) and K(+) across the cell membrane. The gradients are utilized for neurotransmitter reuptake and their alteration modulates neural excitability. To provide insight into the molecular aetiology of RDP, we generated and analysed knockout heterozygous mice (Atp1a3(+/-)). Atp1a3(+/-) showed increased symptoms of dystonia that is induced by kainate injection into the cerebellar vermis. Atp1a3 mRNA was highly expressed in Purkinje cells and molecular-layer interneurons, and its product was concentrated at Purkinje cell soma, the site of abundant vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (VGAT) signal, suggesting the presynaptic localization of the α3 subunit in the inhibitory synapse. Electrophysiological studies showed that the inhibitory neurotransmission at molecular-layer interneuron-Purkinje cell synapses was enhanced in Atp1a3(+/-) cerebellar cortex, and that the enhancement originated via a presynaptic mechanism. Our results shed light on the role of Atp1a3 in the inhibitory synapse, and potential involvement of inhibitory synaptic dysfunction for the pathophysiology of dystonia.

A role of TARPs in the expression and plasticity of calcium-permeable AMPARs: evidence from cerebellar neurons and glia

The inclusion of GluA2 subunits has a profound impact on the channel properties of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), in particular rendering them impermeable to calcium. While GluA2-containing AMPARs are the most abundant in the central nervous system, GluA2-lacking calcium-permeable AMPARs are also expressed in wide variety of neurons and glia. Accumulating evidence suggests that the dynamic control of the GluA2 content of AMPARs plays a critical role in development, synaptic plasticity, and diverse neurological conditions ranging from ischemia-induced brain damage to drug addiction. It is thus important to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the balance of AMPAR subtypes, particularly the role of their co-assembled auxiliary subunits. The discovery of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs), initially within the cerebellum, has transformed the field of AMPAR research. It is now clear that these auxiliary subunits play a key role in multiple aspects of AMPAR trafficking and function in the brain. Yet, their precise role in AMPAR subtype-specific regulation has only recently received particular attention. Here we review recent findings on the differential regulation of calcium-permeable (CP-) and -impermeable (CI-) AMPARs in cerebellar neurons and glial cells, and discuss the critical involvement of TARPs in this process.

This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Glutamate Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity’.

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Calcium-permeable AMPARs are present in various cerebellar neurons and glial cells.

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The contribution of calcium-permeable AMPARs to transmission is dynamically regulated.

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TARPs influence the relative expression of AMPAR subtypes.

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Evidence suggests that TARPs play a role in calcium-permeable AMPAR plasticity.

Paired-pulse facilitation of multivesicular release and intersynaptic spillover of glutamate at rat cerebellar granule cell-interneurone synapses

A simple form of presynaptic plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), has been explained as a transient increase in the probability of vesicular release. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to record synaptic activity in rat cerebellar slices, we found different forms of presynaptically originated short-term plasticity during glutamatergic excitatory neurotransmission from granule cells (GCs) to molecular-layer interneurones (INs). Paired-pulse activation of GC axons at short intervals (30-100 ms) elicited not only a facilitation in the peak amplitude (PPF(amp)), but also a prolongation in the decay-time constant (PPP(decay)) of the EPSCs recorded from INs. The results of pharmacological tests and kinetics analyses suggest that the mechanisms underlying the respective types of short-term plasticity were different. PPF(amp) was elicited by a transient increase in the number of released vesicles. On the other hand, PPP(decay) was caused not only by delayed release as has been reported but also by extrasynaptic spillover of the GC transmitter and the subsequent intersynaptic pooling. Both PPF(amp) and PPP(decay) closely rely on repetitive-activation-induced multivesicular release. Using a dynamic clamp technique, we further examined the physiological significance of different presynaptic plasticity, and found that PPF(amp) and PPP(decay) can differentially encode and process neuronal information by influencing the total synaptic charge transferred to postsynaptic INs to reflect activation frequency of the presynaptic GCs.

Distributed synergistic plasticity and cerebellar learning

Studies on synaptic plasticity in the context of learning have been dominated by the view that a single, particular type of plasticity forms the underlying mechanism for a particular type of learning. However, emerging evidence shows that many forms of synaptic and intrinsic plasticity at different sites are induced conjunctively during procedural memory formation in the cerebellum. Here, we review the main forms of long-term plasticity in the cerebellar cortex that underlie motor learning. We propose that the different forms of plasticity in the granular layer and the molecular layer operate synergistically in a temporally and spatially distributed manner, so as to ultimately create optimal output for behaviour.

NMDA receptor activation enhances inhibitory GABAergic transmission onto hippocampal pyramidal neurons via presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) are implicated in synaptic plasticity and modulation of glutamatergic excitatory transmission. Effect of NMDAR activation on inhibitory GABAergic transmission remains largely unknown. Here, we report that a brief application of NMDA could induce two distinct actions in CA1 pyramidal neurons in mouse hippocampal slices: 1) an inward current attributed to activation of postsynaptic NMDARs; and 2) fast phasic synaptic currents, namely spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs), mediated by GABAA receptors in pyramidal neurons. The mean amplitude of sIPSCs was also increased by NMDA. This profound increase in the sIPSC frequency and amplitude was markedly suppressed by the sodium channel blocker TTX, whereas the frequency and mean amplitude of miniature IPSCs were not significantly affected by NMDA, suggesting that NMDA elicits repetitive firing in GABAergic interneurons, thereby leading to GABA release from multiple synaptic sites of single GABAergic axons. We found that the NMDAR open-channel blocker MK-801 injected into recorded pyramidal neurons suppressed the NMDA-induced increase of sIPSCs, which raises the possibility that the firing of interneurons may not be the sole factor and certain retrograde messengers may also be involved in the NMDA-mediated enhancement of GABAergic transmission. Our results from pharmacological tests suggest that the nitric oxide signaling pathway is mobilized by NMDAR activation in CA1 pyramidal neurons, which in turn retrogradely facilitates GABA release from the presynaptic terminals. Thus NMDARs at glutamatergic synapses on both CA1 pyramidal neurons and interneurons appear to exert feedback and feedforward inhibition for determining the spike timing of the hippocampal microcircuit.

Glutamate transporter EAAT4 in Purkinje cells controls intersynaptic diffusion of climbing fiber transmitter mediating inhibition of GABA release from interneurons

Neurotransmitters diffuse out of the synaptic cleft and act on adjacent synapses to exert concerted control of the synaptic strength within neural pathways that converge on single target neurons. The excitatory transmitter released from climbing fibers (CFs), presumably glutamate, is shown to inhibit γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release at basket cell (BC)-Purkinje cell (PC) synapses in the rat cerebellar cortex through its extrasynaptic diffusion and activation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors on BC axon terminals. This study aimed at examining how the CF transmitter-diffusion-mediated presynaptic inhibition is controlled by glutamate transporters. Pharmacological blockade of the PC-selective neuronal transporter EAAT4 markedly enhanced CF-induced inhibition of GABAergic transmission. Tetanic CF-stimulation elicited long-term potentiation of glutamate transporters in PCs, and thereby attenuated the CF-induced inhibition. Combined use of electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant inverse relationship between the level of EAAT4 expression and the inhibitory action of CF-stimulation on the GABA release at different cerebellar lobules - the CF-induced inhibition was profound in lobule III, where the EAAT4 expression level was low, whereas it was minimal in lobule X, where EAAT4 was abundant. The findings clearly demonstrate that the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT4 in PCs plays a critical role in the extrasynaptic diffusion of CF transmitter - it appears not only to retrogradely determine the degree of CF-mediated inhibition of GABAergic inputs to the PC by controlling the glutamate concentration for intersynaptic diffusion, but also regulate synaptic information processing in the cerebellar cortex depending on its differential regional distribution as well as use-dependent plasticity of uptake efficacy.

Flexible spike timing of layer 5 neurons during dynamic beta oscillation shifts in rat prefrontal cortex

Human brain oscillations occur in different frequency bands that have been linked to different behaviours and cognitive processes. Even within specific frequency bands such as the beta- (14-30 Hz) or gamma-band (30-100 Hz), oscillations fluctuate in frequency and amplitude. Such frequency fluctuations most probably reflect changing states of neuronal network activity, as brain oscillations arise from the correlated synchronized activity of large numbers of neurons. However, the neuronal mechanisms governing the dynamic nature of amplitude and frequency fluctuations within frequency bands remain elusive. Here we show that in acute slices of rat prefrontal cortex (PFC), carbachol-induced oscillations in the beta-band show frequency and amplitude fluctuations. Fast and slow non-harmonic frequencies are distributed differentially over superficial and deep cortical layers, with fast frequencies being present in layer 3, while layer 6 only showed slow oscillation frequencies. Layer 5 pyramidal cells and interneurons experience both fast and slow frequencies and they time their spiking with respect to the dominant frequency. Frequency and phase information is encoded and relayed in the layer 5 network through timed excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. Our data indicate that frequency fluctuations in the beta-band reflect synchronized activity in different cortical subnetworks, that both influence spike timing of output layer 5 neurons. Thus, amplitude and frequency fluctuations within frequency bands may reflect activity in distinct cortical neuronal subnetworks that may process information in a parallel fashion.

Parasynaptic signalling by fast neurotransmitters: the cerebellar cortex

Classic central synaptic transmission by fast neurotransmitters-glutamate, GABA or glycine-involves liberation from vesicles directly opposite postsynaptic receptors at junctions containing both a presynaptic active zone and a postsynaptic specialisation. Such classic transmission is thought to underlie much of the information transfer and processing in the brain. However, there also exist a substantial number of reports of signalling by the same transmitters outside this classic framework, whereby liberation and/or receptor activation occur beyond synaptic boundaries. We term these processes collectively parasynaptic signalling. Here, we describe the various forms of parasynaptic signalling and the available methods for distinguishing them from synaptic transmission. We then review the numerous reports of parasynaptic signalling in the cerebellar cortex, a structure whose specialised anatomy and synapses have facilitated studies of these mechanisms. We examine more generally the question of how the multiple signalling pathways might avoid interaction and address the possible functions of parasynaptic transmission, which in the cerebellar cortex include the regulation of network activity, glial tropism and the control of synaptic plasticity.

FXYD1, a modulator of Na,K-ATPase activity, facilitates female sexual development by maintaining gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neuronal excitability

The excitatory tone to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones is a critical component underlying the pubertal increase in GnRH secretion. However, the homeostatic mechanisms modulating the response of GnRH neurones to excitatory inputs remain poorly understood. A basic mechanism of neuronal homeostasis is the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase-dependent restoration of Na(+) and K(+) transmembrane gradients after neuronal excitation. This activity is reduced in a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder in which expression of FXYD1, a modulator of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, is increased. We now report that the initiation, but not the completion of puberty, is advanced in girls with RTT, and that, in rodents, FXYD1 may contribute to the neuroendocrine regulation of female puberty by modulating GnRH neuronal excitability. Fxyd1 mRNA abundance reaches maximal levels in the female rat hypothalamus by the fourth postnatal week of life (i.e., around the time when the mode of GnRH secretion acquires an adult pattern of release). Although Fxyd1 mRNA expression is low in the hypothalamus, approximately 50% of GnRH neurones contain Fxyd1 transcripts. Whole-cell patch recording of GnRH-EGFP neurones revealed that the neurones of Fxyd1-null female mice respond to somatic current injections with a lower number of action potentials than wild-type cells. Both the age at vaginal opening and at first oestrous were delayed in Fxyd1(-/-) mice, but adult reproductive capacity was normal. These results suggest that FXYD1 contributes to facilitating the advent of puberty by maintaining GnRH neuronal excitability to incoming transsynaptic stimulatory inputs.

Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins and AMPA receptor function in the cerebellum

Heterogeneity among AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subtypes is thought to be one of the key postsynaptic factors giving rise to diversity in excitatory synaptic signaling in the CNS. Recently, compelling evidence has emerged that ancillary AMPAR subunits—the so-called transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs)—also play a vital role in influencing the variety of postsynaptic signaling. This TARP family of molecules controls both trafficking and functional properties of AMPARs at most, if not all, excitatory central synapses. Furthermore, individual TARPs differ in their effects on the biophysical and pharmacological properties of AMPARs. The critical importance of TARPs in synaptic transmission was first revealed in experiments on cerebellar granule cells from stargazer mice. These lack the prototypic TARP stargazin, present in granule cells from wild-type animals, and consequently lack synaptic transmission at the mossy fibre-to-granule cell synapse. Subsequent work has identified many other members of the stargazin family which act as functional TARPs. It has also provided valuable information about specific TARPs present in many central neurons. Because much of the initial work on TARPs was carried out on stargazer granule cells, the important functional properties of TARPs present throughout the cerebellum have received particular attention. Here we discuss some of these recent findings in relation to the main TARPs and the AMPAR subunits identified in cerebellar neurons and glia.

Protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) and GluR2 are associated with presynaptic plasma membrane and vesicles in hippocampal excitatory synapses

AMPA receptors have been identified in different populations of presynaptic terminals and found to be involved in the modulation of neurotransmitter release. The mechanisms that govern the expression of presynaptic AMPA receptors are not known. One possibility is that pre- and postsynaptic AMPA receptors are regulated according to the same principles. To address this hypothesis we investigated whether protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1), known to interact with AMPA receptors postsynaptically, also is expressed presynaptically, together with AMPA receptors. Subfractionation and high-resolution immunogold analyses of the rat hippocampus revealed that GluR2 and PICK1 are enriched postsynaptically, but also in presynaptic membrane compartments, including the active zone and vesicular membranes. PICK1 and GluR2 are associated with the same vesicles, which are immunopositive also for synaptophysin and vesicle-associated membrane protein 2. Based on what is known about the function of PICK1 postsynaptically, the present data suggest that PICK1 is involved in the regulation of presynaptic AMPA receptor trafficking and in determining the size of the AMPA receptor pool that modulates presynaptic glutamate release.

Dendritic NMDA receptors activate axonal calcium channels

NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation can alter synaptic strength by regulating transmitter release from a variety of neurons in the CNS. As NMDARs are permeable to Ca(2+) and monovalent cations, they could alter release directly by increasing presynaptic Ca(2+) or indirectly by axonal depolarization sufficient to activate voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels (VSCCs). Using two-photon microscopy to measure Ca(2+) excursions, we found that somatic depolarization or focal activation of dendritic NMDARs elicited small Ca(2+) transients in axon varicosities of cerebellar stellate cell interneurons. These axonal transients resulted from Ca(2+) entry through VSCCs that were opened by the electrotonic spread of the NMDAR-mediated depolarization elicited in the dendrites. In contrast, we were unable to detect direct activation of NMDARs on axons, indicating an exclusive somatodendritic expression of functional NMDARs. In cerebellar stellate cells, dendritic NMDAR activation masquerades as a presynaptic phenomenon and may influence Ca(2+) -dependent forms of presynaptic plasticity and release.

Calcium-permeable presynaptic AMPA receptors in cerebellar molecular layer interneurones

Axons of cerebellar molecular layer interneurones (MLIs) bear ionotropic glutamate receptors. Here, we show that these receptors elicit cytosolic [Ca2+] transients in axonal varicosities following glutamate spillover induced by stimulation of parallel fibres (PFs). A spatial profile analysis indicates that these transients occur at the same locations when induced by PF stimulation or trains of action potentials. They are not affected by the NMDAR antagonist AP-V, but are abolished by the AMPAR inhibitor GYKI-53655. Mimicking glutamate spillover by a puff of AMPA triggers axonal [Ca2+]i transients even in the presence of TTX. Addition of specific voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blockers such as omega-AGAIVA and omega-conotoxin GVIA or broad range inhibitors such as Cd2+ did not significantly inhibit the signal indicating the involvement of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs. This hypothesis is further supported by the finding that the subunit specific AMPAR antagonist IEM-1460 blocks 75% of the signal. Bath application of AMPA increases the frequency and mean peak amplitude of GABAergic mIPSCs, an effect that is blocked by philanthotoxin-433 (PhTx) and reinforced by facilitating concentrations of ryanodine. By contrast, a high concentration of ryanodine or dantrolene reduced the effects of AMPA on mIPSCs. Single-cell RT-PCR experiments show that all GluR1-4 subunits are potentially expressed in MLI. Taken together, the results suggest that Ca2+-permeable AMPARs are colocalized with VDCCs in axonal varicosities and can be activated by glutamate spillover through PF stimulation. The AMPAR-mediated Ca2+ signal is amplified by Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, leading to GABA release by MLIs.

Presynaptic glutamate receptors: physiological functions and mechanisms of action

Glutamate acts on postsynaptic glutamate receptors to mediate excitatory communication between neurons. The discovery that additional presynaptic glutamate receptors can modulate neurotransmitter release has added complexity to the way we view glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Here we review evidence of a physiological role for presynaptic glutamate receptors in neurotransmitter release. We compare the physiological roles of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in short- and long-term regulation of synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we discuss the physiological conditions that are necessary for their activation, the source of the glutamate that activates them, their mechanisms of action and their involvement in higher brain function.

Regulation of excitation by glycine receptors

Our knowledge of glycine receptor (GlyR) regulation of excitation has advanced significantly in recent years. GlyRs are widespread in the CNS, are heterogeneous, and undergo developmental changes. Activation of GlyRs of immature neurons induces outflow of Cl( - ), membrane depolarization, neuronal excitation, calcium influx, and transmitter release, in contrast to the inhibitory effects these receptors have in mature neurons. Thus, GlyRs are important for neuronal excitability in both the developing and the mature CNS. This chapter is an overview of selective studies on the newly discovered roles of GlyRs in regulating neuronal excitation, and inhibition, particularly in the upper brain areas.

Sustained granule cell activity disinhibits juvenile mouse cerebellar stellate cells through presynaptic mechanisms

GABA release from cerebellar molecular layer interneurons can be modulated by presynaptic glutamate and/or GABA B receptors upon perfusing the respective agonists. However, it is unclear how release and potential spillover of endogenous transmitter lead to activation of presynaptic receptors. High frequency firing of granule cells, as observed in vivo upon sensory stimulation, could lead to glutamate and/or GABA spillover. Here, we established sustained glutamatergic activity in the granule cell layer of acute mouse cerebellar slices and performed 190 paired recordings from connected stellate cells. Train stimulation at 50 Hz reduced by about 30% the peak amplitude of IPSCs evoked by brief depolarization of the presynaptic cell in 2-week-old mice. A presynaptic mechanism was indicated by changes in failure rate, paired-pulse ratio and coefficient of variation of evoked IPSCs. Furthermore, two-photon Ca2+ imaging in identified Ca2+ hot spots of stellate cell axons confirmed reduced presynaptic Ca2+ influx after train stimulation within the granular layer. Pharmacological experiments indicated that glutamate released from parallel fibres activated AMPARs in stellate cells, evoking GABA release from surrounding cells. Consequential GABA spillover activated presynaptic GABA B Rs, which reduced the amplitude of eIPSCs. Two-thirds of the total disinhibitory effect were mediated by GABA B Rs, one-third being attributable to presynaptic AMPARs. This estimation was confirmed by the observation that bath applied baclofen induced a more pronounced reduction of evoked IPSCs than kainate. Granule cell-mediated disinhibition persisted at near-physiological temperature but was strongly diminished in 3-week-old mice. At this age, GABA release probability was not reduced and presynaptic GABA B Rs were still detectable, but GABA uptake appeared to be advanced, attenuating GABA spillover. Thus, sustained granule cell activity modulates stellate cell-to-stellate cell synapses, involving transmitter spillover during a developmentally restricted period.

Biphasic Modulation of GABA Release From Stellate Cells by Glutamatergic Receptor Subtypes

The release of inhibitory transmitters from CNS neurons can be modulated by ionotropic glutamate receptors that are present in the presynaptic terminals. In the cerebellum, glutamate released from climbing fibers (but not from parallel fibers) activates presynaptic AMPA receptors and suppresses the release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA from basket cells onto postsynaptic Purkinje cells. This input-specific modulation has been attributed to the close proximity of the climbing fibers to the axons of the basket cells. Our recent work indicates that glutamate released from parallel fibers can “spill over” and reach the axons of stellate cells. Here I test the possibility that this spillover glutamate can activate presynaptic AMPA receptors in stellate cells and in this way modulate their release of GABA. I find that stimulation of parallel fibers activates AMPA receptors and transiently suppresses autoreceptor and autaptic GABAergic currents in stellate cells. Activation of AMPA receptors reduces the release of GABA and the suppression occurs more frequently in immature cells that have a high release probability. By contrast the release of GABA from mature stellate cells that have a low release probability is potentiated by the activation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors on presynaptic terminals. Thus during development, the glutamatergic modulation of GABA release switches from an AMPA-receptor–mediated transient suppression to a NMDA-receptor–induced lasting potentiation.

Specialized inhibitory synaptic actions between nearby neocortical pyramidal neurons

We found that, in the mouse visual cortex, action potentials generated in a single layer-2/3 pyramidal (excitatory) neuron can reliably evoke large, constant-latency inhibitory postsynaptic currents in other nearby pyramidal cells. This effect is mediated by axo-axonic ionotropic glutamate receptor-mediated excitation of the nerve terminals of inhibitory interneurons, which connect to the target pyramidal cells. Therefore, individual cortical excitatory neurons can generate inhibition independently from the somatic firing of inhibitory interneurons.

Multiple climbing fibers signal to molecular layer interneurons exclusively via glutamate spillover

Spillover of glutamate under physiological conditions has only been established as an adjunct to conventional synaptic transmission. Here we describe a pure spillover connection between the climbing fiber and molecular layer interneurons in the rat cerebellar cortex. We show that, instead of acting via conventional synapses, multiple climbing fibers activate AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors on interneurons exclusively via spillover. Spillover from the climbing fiber represents a form of glutamatergic volume transmission that could be triggered in a regionalized manner by experimentally observed synchronous climbing fiber activity. Climbing fibers are known to direct parallel fiber synaptic plasticity in interneurons, so one function of this spillover is likely to involve controlling synaptic plasticity.

Antipsychotic drugs reverse the AMPA receptor-stimulated release of 5-HT in the medial prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. PFC neuronal activity is modulated by monoaminergic receptors for which antipsychotic drugs display moderate-high affinity, such as 5-HT(2A) and alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Conversely, PFC pyramidal neurons project to and modulate the activity of raphe serotonergic neurons and serotonin (5-HT) release. Under the working hypothesis that atypical antipsychotic drugs may partly exert their action in PFC, we assessed their action on the in vivo 5-HT release evoked by increasing glutamatergic transmission in rat medial PFC (mPFC). This was achieved by applying S-AMPA in mPFC (reverse dialysis) or by disinhibiting thalamic excitatory afferents to mPFC with bicuculline. The application of haloperidol, chlorpromazine, clozapine and olanzapine in mPFC by reverse dialysis (but not reboxetine or diazepam) reversed the S-AMPA-evoked local 5-HT release. Likewise, the local (in mPFC) or systemic administration of these antipsychotic drugs reversed the increased prefrontal 5-HT release produced by thalamic disinhibition. These effects were shared by the 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist M100907 and the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. However, raclopride (DA D2 antagonist) had very modest effects. These results suggest that, besides their action in limbic striatum, antipsychotic drugs may attenuate glutamatergic transmission in PFC, possibly by interacting with 5-HT(2A) and/or alpha(1)-adrenoceptors.

Dynamics of postsynaptic glutamate receptor targeting

Targeting of glutamate receptors to synapses is an important event in both developing and mature neurons. Glutamate receptors are delivered to nascent synapses during synaptogenesis and to existing synapses during activity-dependent synaptic strengthening. Increasing evidence suggests that glutamate receptors are inserted into the plasma membrane before they accumulate at the synapse. Lateral diffusion of receptors occurs at both synaptic and non-synaptic membranes, and glutamate receptors can exchange rapidly between synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. In addition, recent studies show that postsynaptic scaffold molecules can be highly mobile. The dynamic nature of the synapse suggests that many mechanisms might be involved in regulating synapse formation and synaptic plasticity.

Competitive AMPA receptor antagonists

Glutamic acid (Glu) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) where it is involved in the physiological regulation of different processes. It has been well established that excessive endogenous Glu is associated with many acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebral ischaemia, epilepsy, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. These data have consequently added great impetus to the research in this field. In fact, many Glu receptor antagonists acting at the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA), and/or kainic acid (KA) receptors have been developed as research tools and potential therapeutic agents. Ligands showing competitive antagonistic action at the AMPA type of Glu receptors were first reported in 1988, and the systemically active 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulphamoyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline (NBQX) was first shown to have useful therapeutic effects in animal models of neurological disease in 1990. Since then, the quinoxaline template has represented the backbone of various competitive AMPA receptor antagonists belonging to different classes which had been developed in order to increase potency, selectivity and water solubility, but also to prolong the "in vivo" action. Compounds that present better pharmacokinetic properties and less serious adverse effects with respect to the others previously developed are undergoing clinical evaluation. In the near future, the most important clinical application for the AMPA receptor antagonists will probably be as neuroprotectant in neurodegenerative diseases, such as epilepsy, for the treatment of patients not responding to current therapies. The present review reports the history of competitive AMPA receptor antagonists from 1988 up to today, providing a systematic coverage of both the open and patent literature.

Ca2+-dependent mechanisms of presynaptic control at central synapses

Classically, a high-power association relates the neurotransmitter release probability to the concentration of presynaptic Ca2+. Activated by the action potential waveform, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels mediate Ca2+entry into presynaptic terminals. Inside the terminal, Ca2+ ions rapidly bind to endogenous intracellular buffers and could trigger Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores. The resulting space-time profile of free Ca2+ determines the time course and probability of neurotransmitter release through the interaction with molecular release triggers strategically located in the vicinity of release sites. Following a rapid concentration transient, excess Ca2+ has to be removed from the cytosol through the process involving Ca2+ uptake by the endoplasmatic reticulum stores, sequestration by mitochondria, and/or extrusion into the extracellular medium. The ongoing synaptic activity could affect any of the multiple factors that shape presynaptic Ca2+ dynamics, thus arbitrating use-dependent modification of the neurotransmitter release probability. Here we present an overview of major players involved in Ca2+-dependent presynaptic regulation of neurotransmitter release and discuss the relationships arising between their actions.

Characterization of AMPA receptors targeted by the climbing fiber transmitter mediating presynaptic inhibition of GABAergic transmission at cerebellar interneuron-Purkinje cell synapses

The climbing fiber (CF) neurotransmitter not only excites the postsynaptic Purkinje cell (PC) but also suppresses GABA release from inhibitory interneurons converging onto the same PC depending on AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) activation. Although the CF-/AMPAR-mediated inhibition of GABA release provides a likely mechanism boosting the CF input-derived excitation, how the CF transmitter reaches target AMPARs to elicit this action remains unknown. Here, we report that the CF transmitter diffused from its release sites directly targets GluR2/GluR3 AMPARs on interneuron terminals to inhibit GABA release. A weak GluR3-AMPAR agonist, bromohomoibotenic acid, produced excitatory currents in the postsynaptic PCs without presynaptic inhibitory effect on GABAergic transmission. Conversely, a specific inhibitor of the GluR2-lacking/Ca2+-permeable AMPARs, philanthotoxin-433, did not affect the CF-induced inhibition but suppressed AMPAR-mediated currents in Bergmann glia. A low-affinity GluR antagonist, gamma-D-glutamylglycine, or retardation of neurotransmitter diffusion by dextran reduced the inhibitory action of CF-stimulation, whereas blockade of glutamate transporters enhanced the CF-induced inhibition. The results suggest that the CF transmitter released after repeated stimulation overwhelms local glutamate uptake and thereby diffuses from the release site to reach GluR2/GluR3 AMPARs on nearby interneuron terminals. Double immunostaining showed that GluR2/3 subunits and glutamate decarboxylase or synaptophysin are colocalized at the perisomatic GABAergic processes surrounding PCs. Finally, electron microscopy detected specific immunoreactivity for GluR2/3 at the presynaptic terminals of symmetric axosomatic synapses on the PC. These findings demonstrate that the CF transmitter directly inhibits GABA release from interneurons to the PC, relying on extrasynaptic diffusion and local heterogeneity in AMPAR subunit compositions.

Modulation of presynaptic Ca2+ entry by AMPA receptors at individual GABAergic synapses in the cerebellum

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) receive GABAergic input that undergoes powerful retrograde modulation by presynaptic cannabinoid and glutamate receptors. Here we examine a distinct modulatory mechanism at these synapses, which does not require postsynaptic depolarization and acts via presynaptic AMPA receptors. We find that this mechanism operates mainly in the somatic vicinity of PCs in which large boutons of basket cell axons form synapses on the PC soma. We use fast confocal microscopy and detailed kinetic modeling to estimate that, in these boutons, an action potential opens 100-200 Ca2+ channels, eliciting a brief 3-5 microM transient, followed by a longer-term, 15-30 nM rise of free Ca2+ (above the resting level of approximately 100 nM). Brief activation of local AMPA receptors suppresses Ca2+ entry (probably by silencing 20-40 P/Q-type channels) in a subgroup of terminals that tend to show a higher dynamic range of Ca2+ signaling. The results provide the first quantitative description of presynaptic Ca2+ kinetics and its modulation by AMPA receptor activation (most likely via a glutamate spillover-mediated mechanism) at identified GABAergic synapses.