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Elleman AV, Milicic N, Williams DJ, Simko J, Liu CJ, Haynes AL, Ehrlich DE, Makinson CD, Du Bois J. Behavioral control through the direct, focal silencing of neuronal activity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1324-1335.e20. [PMID: 38729162 PMCID: PMC11260259 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The ability to optically stimulate and inhibit neurons has revolutionized neuroscience research. Here, we present a direct, potent, user-friendly chemical approach for optically silencing neurons. We have rendered saxitoxin (STX), a naturally occurring paralytic agent, transiently inert through chemical protection with a previously undisclosed nitrobenzyl-derived photocleavable group. Exposing the caged toxin, STX-bpc, to a brief (5 ms) pulse of light effects rapid release of a potent STX derivative and transient, spatially precise blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs). We demonstrate the efficacy of STX-bpc for parametrically manipulating action potentials in mammalian neurons and brain slice. Additionally, we show the effectiveness of this reagent for silencing neural activity by dissecting sensory-evoked swimming in larval zebrafish. Photo-uncaging of STX-bpc is a straightforward method for non-invasive, reversible, spatiotemporally precise neural silencing without the need for genetic access, thus removing barriers for comparative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nikola Milicic
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Damian J Williams
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jane Simko
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Christine J Liu
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Allison L Haynes
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David E Ehrlich
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 121 Integrative Biology Research Building, 1117 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Christopher D Makinson
- Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, MC 9872, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, 333 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Bertero A, Apicella AJ. Distinct electrophysiological properties of long-range GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons from the lateral amygdala to the auditory cortex of the mouse. J Physiol 2024; 602:1733-1757. [PMID: 38493320 DOI: 10.1113/jp286094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating between auditory signals of various emotional significance plays a crucial role in an individual's ability to thrive and excel in social interactions and in survival. Multiple approaches, including anatomical studies, electrophysiological investigations, imaging techniques, optogenetics and chemogenetics, have confirmed that the auditory cortex (AC) impacts fear-related behaviours driven by auditory stimuli by conveying auditory information to the lateral amygdala (LA) through long-range excitatory glutamatergic and GABAergic connections. In addition, the LA provides glutamatergic projections to the AC which are important to fear memory expression and are modified by associative fear learning. Here we test the hypothesis that the LA also sends long-range direct inhibitory inputs to the cortex. To address this fundamental question, we used anatomical and electrophysiological approaches, allowing us to directly assess the nature of GABAergic inputs from the LA to the AC in the mouse. Our findings elucidate the existence of a long-range inhibitory pathway from the LA to the AC (LAC) via parvalbumin-expressing (LAC-Parv) and somatostatin-expressing (LAC-SOM) neurons. This research identifies distinct electrophysiological properties for genetically defined long-range GABAergic neurons involved in the communication between the LA and the cortex (LAC-Parv inhibitory projections → AC neurons; LAC-Som inhibitory projections → AC neurons) within the lateral amygdala cortical network. KEY POINTS: The mouse auditory cortex receives inputs from the lateral amygdala. Retrograde viral tracing techniques allowed us to identify two previously undescribed lateral amygdala to auditory cortex (LAC) GABAergic projecting neurons. Extensive electrophysiological, morphological and anatomical characterization of LAC neurons is provided here, demonstrating key differences in the three populations. This study paves the way for a better understanding of the growing complexity of the cortico-amygdala-cortico circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bertero
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alfonso Junior Apicella
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Thouta S, Waldbrook MG, Lin S, Mahadevan A, Mezeyova J, Soriano M, Versi P, Goodchild SJ, Parrish RR. Pharmacological determination of the fractional block of Nav channels required to impair neuronal excitability and ex vivo seizures. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:964691. [PMID: 36246527 PMCID: PMC9557217 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.964691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are essential for the initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons. Of the nine human channel subtypes, Nav1.1, Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 are prominently expressed in the adult central nervous system (CNS). All three of these sodium channel subtypes are sensitive to block by the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX), with TTX being almost equipotent on all three subtypes. In the present study we have used TTX to determine the fractional block of Nav channels required to impair action potential firing in pyramidal neurons and reduce network seizure-like activity. Using automated patch-clamp electrophysiology, we first determined the IC50s of TTX on mouse Nav1.1, Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 channels expressed in HEK cells, demonstrating this to be consistent with previously published data on human orthologs. We then compared this data to the potency of block of Nav current measured in pyramidal neurons from neocortical brain slices. Interestingly, we found that it requires nearly 10-fold greater concentration of TTX over the IC50 to induce significant block of action potentials using a current-step protocol. In contrast, concentrations near the IC50 resulted in a significant reduction in AP firing and increase in rheobase using a ramp protocol. Surprisingly, a 20% reduction in action potential generation observed with 3 nM TTX resulted in significant block of seizure-like activity in the 0 Mg2+ model of epilepsy. Additionally, we found that approximately 50% block in pyramidal cell intrinsic excitability is sufficient to completely block all seizure-like events. Furthermore, we also show that the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin blocked seizure-like events in a manner similar to TTX. These data serve as a critical starting point in understanding how fractional block of Nav channels affect intrinsic neuronal excitability and seizure-like activity. It further suggests that seizures can be controlled without significantly compromising intrinsic neuronal activity and determines the required fold over IC50 for novel and clinically relevant Nav channel blockers to produce efficacy and limit side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrat Thouta
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Matthew G. Waldbrook
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Lin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Arjun Mahadevan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Janette Mezeyova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Maegan Soriano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Pareesa Versi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Samuel J. Goodchild
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - R. Ryley Parrish
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: R. Ryley Parrish,
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Zhang W, Ciorraga M, Mendez P, Retana D, Boumedine-Guignon N, Achón B, Russier M, Debanne D, Garrido JJ. Formin Activity and mDia1 Contribute to Maintain Axon Initial Segment Composition and Structure. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:6153-6169. [PMID: 34458961 PMCID: PMC8639558 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is essential for maintaining neuronal polarity, modulating protein transport into the axon, and action potential generation. These functions are supported by a distinctive actin and microtubule cytoskeleton that controls axonal trafficking and maintains a high density of voltage-gated ion channels linked by scaffold proteins to the AIS cytoskeleton. However, our knowledge of the mechanisms and proteins involved in AIS cytoskeleton regulation to maintain or modulate AIS structure is limited. In this context, formins play a significant role in the modulation of actin and microtubules. We show that pharmacological inhibition of formins modifies AIS actin and microtubule characteristics in cultured hippocampal neurons, reducing F-actin density and decreasing microtubule acetylation. Moreover, formin inhibition diminishes sodium channels, ankyrinG and βIV-spectrin AIS density, and AIS length, in cultured neurons and brain slices, accompanied by decreased neuronal excitability. We show that genetic downregulation of the mDia1 formin by interference RNAs also decreases AIS protein density and shortens AIS length. The ankyrinG decrease and AIS shortening observed in pharmacologically inhibited neurons and neuron-expressing mDia1 shRNAs were impaired by HDAC6 downregulation or EB1-GFP expression, known to increase microtubule acetylation or stability. However, actin stabilization only partially prevented AIS shortening without affecting AIS protein density loss. These results suggest that mDia1 maintain AIS composition and length contributing to the stability of AIS microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Present Address: College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michaël Russier
- UNIS, INSERM, UMR 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Dominique Debanne
- UNIS, INSERM, UMR 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - Juan José Garrido
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, 28002 Madrid, Spain
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Degenerative Dementias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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Resurgent Na + currents promote ultrafast spiking in projection neurons that drive fine motor control. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6762. [PMID: 34799550 PMCID: PMC8604930 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms that promote precise spiking in upper motor neurons controlling fine motor skills are not well understood. Here we report that projection neurons in the adult zebra finch song nucleus RA display robust high-frequency firing, ultra-narrow spike waveforms, superfast Na+ current inactivation kinetics, and large resurgent Na+ currents (INaR). These properties of songbird pallial motor neurons closely resemble those of specialized large pyramidal neurons in mammalian primary motor cortex. They emerge during the early phases of song development in males, but not females, coinciding with a complete switch of Na+ channel subunit expression from Navβ3 to Navβ4. Dynamic clamping and dialysis of Navβ4's C-terminal peptide into juvenile RA neurons provide evidence that Navβ4, and its associated INaR, promote neuronal excitability. We thus propose that INaR modulates the excitability of upper motor neurons that are required for the execution of fine motor skills.
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Chronic, Episodic Nicotine Alters Hypoglossal Motor Neuron Function at a Critical Developmental Time Point in Neonatal Rats. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0203-21.2021. [PMID: 34193508 PMCID: PMC8366915 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0203-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), alters brainstem neurons that control breathing, including hypoglossal motor neurons (XIIMNs), which innervate the tongue. Here, we tested the hypothesis that chronic, episodic DNE (eDNE), which mimics nicotine replacement therapies such as e-cigarettes or nicotine gum, alters the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), XIIMN intrinsic properties, and tongue muscle function in vivo similar to what we have observed with a chronic, sustained exposure model. We delivered nicotine to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats through drinking water and studied pups of either sex in two age groups: postnatal day (P)1–P5 and P10–P12, which encompasses a critical period in brain development. At P1–P5, eDNE was associated with delayed recovery of nAChRs from desensitization; however, there were no changes in the magnitude of desensitization, XIIMN intrinsic properties, or tongue muscle function in vivo. By P10–P12, eDNE XIIMNs had lower peak firing frequencies in response to depolarizing current injection, larger delayed rectifier potassium currents, and continued to exhibit delayed nAChR recovery. Moreover, this age group exhibited a blunted and delayed tongue muscle response to nasal occlusion in vivo, indicating that changes to XIIMN intrinsic properties is an important mechanism behind this effect, as it is not produced by altered nAChR function alone. Together, these results show that eDNE alters XIIMNs and tongue muscle function during a critical period in brain development and that the specific effects of chronic nicotine exposure may be pattern dependent.
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Precise spatiotemporal control of voltage-gated sodium channels by photocaged saxitoxin. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4171. [PMID: 34234116 PMCID: PMC8263607 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we report the pharmacologic blockade of voltage-gated sodium ion channels (NaVs) by a synthetic saxitoxin derivative affixed to a photocleavable protecting group. We demonstrate that a functionalized saxitoxin (STX-eac) enables exquisite spatiotemporal control of NaVs to interrupt action potentials in dissociated neurons and nerve fiber bundles. The photo-uncaged inhibitor (STX-ea) is a nanomolar potent, reversible binder of NaVs. We use STX-eac to reveal differential susceptibility of myelinated and unmyelinated axons in the corpus callosum to NaV-dependent alterations in action potential propagation, with unmyelinated axons preferentially showing reduced action potential fidelity under conditions of partial NaV block. These results validate STX-eac as a high precision tool for robust photocontrol of neuronal excitability and action potential generation.
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Moore S, Meschkat M, Ruhwedel T, Trevisiol A, Tzvetanova ID, Battefeld A, Kusch K, Kole MHP, Strenzke N, Möbius W, de Hoz L, Nave KA. A role of oligodendrocytes in information processing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5497. [PMID: 33127910 PMCID: PMC7599337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelinating oligodendrocytes enable fast propagation of action potentials along the ensheathed axons. In addition, oligodendrocytes play diverse non-canonical roles including axonal metabolic support and activity-dependent myelination. An open question remains whether myelination also contributes to information processing in addition to speeding up conduction velocity. Here, we analyze the role of myelin in auditory information processing using paradigms that are also good predictors of speech understanding in humans. We compare mice with different degrees of dysmyelination using acute multiunit recordings in the auditory cortex, in combination with behavioral readouts. We find complex alterations of neuronal responses that reflect fatigue and temporal acuity deficits. We observe partially discriminable but similar deficits in well myelinated mice in which glial cells cannot fully support axons metabolically. We suggest a model in which myelination contributes to sustained stimulus perception in temporally complex paradigms, with a role of metabolically active oligodendrocytes in cortical information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlen Moore
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Martin Meschkat
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torben Ruhwedel
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Trevisiol
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Iva D Tzvetanova
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Arne Battefeld
- Department of Axonal Signaling, Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kathrin Kusch
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maarten H P Kole
- Department of Axonal Signaling, Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola Strenzke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Livia de Hoz
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.
- Charité Medical University, Neuroscience Research Center, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
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Structural and Functional Refinement of the Axon Initial Segment in Avian Cochlear Nucleus during Development. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6709-6721. [PMID: 32719016 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3068-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is involved in action potential initiation. Structural and biophysical characteristics of the AIS differ among cell types and/or brain regions, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Using immunofluorescence and electrophysiological methods, combined with super-resolution imaging, we show in the developing nucleus magnocellularis of the chicken in both sexes that the AIS is refined in a tonotopic region-dependent manner. This process of AIS refinement differs among cells tuned to different frequencies. At hearing onset, the AIS was ∼50 µm long with few voltage-gated sodium channels regardless of tonotopic region. However, after hatching, the AIS matured and displayed an ∼20-µm-long structure with a significant enrichment of sodium channels responsible for an increase in sodium current and a decrease in spike threshold. Moreover, the shortening was more pronounced, while the accumulation of channels was not, in neurons tuned to higher frequency, creating tonotopic differences in the AIS. We conclude that AIS shortening is mediated by disassembly of the cytoskeleton at the distal end of the AIS, despite intact periodicity of the submembranous cytoskeleton across the AIS. Importantly, deprivation of afferent input diminished the shortening in neurons tuned to a higher frequency to a larger extent in posthatch animals, with little effect on the accumulation of sodium channels. Thus, cytoskeletal reorganization and sodium channel enrichment at the AIS are differentially regulated depending on tonotopic region, but work synergistically to optimize neuronal output in the auditory nucleus.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The axon initial segment (AIS) plays fundamental roles in determining neuronal output. The AIS varies structurally and molecularly across tonotopic regions in avian cochlear nucleus. However, the mechanism underlying these variations remains unclear. The AIS is immature around hearing onset, but becomes shorter and accumulates more sodium channels during maturation, with a pronounced shortening and a moderate channel accumulation at higher tonotopic regions. Afferent input adjusts sodium conductance at the AIS by augmenting AIS shortening (via disassembly of cytoskeletons at its distal end) specifically at higher-frequency regions. However, this had little effect on channel accumulation. Thus, cytoskeletal structure and sodium channel accumulation at the AIS are regulated differentially but work synergistically to optimize the neuronal output.
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Sánchez-Aguilera A, Monedero G, Colino A, Vicente-Torres MÁ. Development of Action Potential Waveform in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons. Neuroscience 2020; 442:151-167. [PMID: 32634531 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CA1 pyramidal neurons undergo intense morphological and electrophysiological changes from the second to third postnatal weeks in rats throughout a critical period associated with the emergence of exploratory behavior. Using whole cell current-clamp recordings in vitro and neurochemical methods, we studied the development of the somatic action potential (AP) waveform and some of the underlying channels in this critical period. At the third postnatal week, APs showed a more hyperpolarized threshold, higher duration and amplitude. Subthreshold depolarization broadened APs and depolarized their peak overshoots more pronouncedly in immature neurons (2 weeks old). These features were mimicked by pharmacologically blocking the fast-inactivating A-type potassium current (IA) and matched well with the higher concentrations of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 and the lower concentrations of BK and Kv1.2 channels detected by Western blotting. Repetitive stimulation with high frequency trains (50 Hz) reproduced AP broadening associated to inactivation of the A-type current in immature cells. Moreover, repetitive firing showed changes in AP amplitude consistent with the inactivation of both sodium and potassium subthreshold currents, which resulted in higher AP amplitudes in the more immature neurons. We propose that maturation of AP waveform and excitability in this critical developmental period could be related to the onset of exploratory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sánchez-Aguilera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avda Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Monedero
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunción Colino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Vicente-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Yu W, Kwon J, Sohn J, Lee SH, Kim S, Ho W. mGluR5-dependent modulation of dendritic excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons mediated by enhancement of persistent Na + currents. J Physiol 2018; 596:4141-4156. [PMID: 29870060 PMCID: PMC6117564 DOI: 10.1113/jp275999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the Schaffer collateral pathway activates metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) signalling in the proximal apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. The synaptic activation of mGluR5-mediated calcium signalling causes a significant increase in persistent sodium current (INa,P ) in the dendrites. Increased INa,P by HFS underlies potentiation of synaptic inputs at both the proximal and distal dendrite, leading to an enhanced probability of action potential firing associated with decreased action potential thresholds. Therefore, HFS-induced activation of intracellular mGluR5 serves an important role as an instructive signal for potentiation of upcoming inputs by increasing dendritic excitability. ABSTRACT Dendritic Na+ channels in pyramidal neurons are known to amplify synaptic signals, thereby facilitating action potential (AP) generation. However, the mechanisms that modulate dendritic Na+ channels have remained largely uncharacterized. Here, we report a new form of short-term plasticity in which proximal excitatory synaptic inputs to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons transiently elevate dendritic excitability. High-frequency stimulations (HFS) to the Schaffer collateral (SC) pathway activate mGluR5-dependent Ca2+ signalling in the apical dendrites, which, with calmodulin, upregulates specifically Nav1.6 channel-mediated persistent Na+ currents (INa,P ) in the dendrites. This HFS-induced increase in dendritic INa,P results in transient increases in the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials induced by both proximal SC and distal perforant path stimulation, leading to the enhanced probability of AP firing associated with decreased AP thresholds. Taken together, our study identifies dendritic INa,P as a novel target for mediating activity-dependent modulation of dendritic integration and neuronal output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weonjin Yu
- Department of PhysiologySeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Biomembrane Plasticity Research CenterSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehan Kwon
- Department of PhysiologySeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Biomembrane Plasticity Research CenterSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
| | - Jong‐Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological SciencesKorea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyDaejeon305‐701Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Ho Lee
- Department of PhysiologySeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Biomembrane Plasticity Research CenterSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyun Kim
- Department of PhysiologySeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Biomembrane Plasticity Research CenterSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
| | - Won‐Kyung Ho
- Department of PhysiologySeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Biomembrane Plasticity Research CenterSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research InstituteSeoul National University College of MedicineSeoul110‐799Republic of Korea
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Ogiwara I, Miyamoto H, Tatsukawa T, Yamagata T, Nakayama T, Atapour N, Miura E, Mazaki E, Ernst SJ, Cao D, Ohtani H, Itohara S, Yanagawa Y, Montal M, Yuzaki M, Inoue Y, Hensch TK, Noebels JL, Yamakawa K. Nav1.2 haplodeficiency in excitatory neurons causes absence-like seizures in mice. Commun Biol 2018; 1:96. [PMID: 30175250 PMCID: PMC6115194 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0099-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SCN2A gene encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.2 are associated with epilepsies, intellectual disability, and autism. SCN2A gain-of-function mutations cause early-onset severe epilepsies, while loss-of-function mutations cause autism with milder and/or later-onset epilepsies. Here we show that both heterozygous Scn2a-knockout and knock-in mice harboring a patient-derived nonsense mutation exhibit ethosuximide-sensitive absence-like seizures associated with spike-and-wave discharges at adult stages. Unexpectedly, identical seizures are reproduced and even more prominent in mice with heterozygous Scn2a deletion specifically in dorsal-telencephalic (e.g., neocortical and hippocampal) excitatory neurons, but are undetected in mice with selective Scn2a deletion in inhibitory neurons. In adult cerebral cortex of wild-type mice, most Nav1.2 is expressed in excitatory neurons with a steady increase and redistribution from proximal (i.e., axon initial segments) to distal axons. These results indicate a pivotal role of Nav1.2 haplodeficiency in excitatory neurons in epilepsies of patients with SCN2A loss-of-function mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo Ogiwara
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Miyamoto
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tatsukawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Yamagata
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Tojo Nakayama
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nafiseh Atapour
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Eriko Miura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Emi Mazaki
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Sara J Ernst
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dezhi Cao
- National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan.,Neurology Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, 518026, Guangdong, China
| | - Hideyuki Ohtani
- National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,FIRST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, 371-8511, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Mauricio Montal
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yushi Inoue
- National Epilepsy Center, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Takao K Hensch
- Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Development, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Neurology, FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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13
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Rowan MJM, Christie JM. Rapid State-Dependent Alteration in K v3 Channel Availability Drives Flexible Synaptic Signaling Dependent on Somatic Subthreshold Depolarization. Cell Rep 2017; 18:2018-2029. [PMID: 28228266 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In many neurons, subthreshold depolarization in the soma can transiently increase action-potential (AP)-evoked neurotransmission via analog-to-digital facilitation. The mechanisms underlying this form of short-term synaptic plasticity are unclear, in part, due to the relative inaccessibility of the axon to direct physiological interrogation. Using voltage imaging and patch-clamp recording from presynaptic boutons of cerebellar stellate interneurons, we observed that depolarizing somatic potentials readily spread into the axon, resulting in AP broadening, increased spike-evoked Ca2+ entry, and enhanced neurotransmission strength. Kv3 channels, which drive AP repolarization, rapidly inactivated upon incorporation of Kv3.4 subunits. This leads to fast susceptibility to depolarization-induced spike broadening and analog facilitation independent of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase C signaling. The spread of depolarization into the axon was attenuated by hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih currents) in the maturing cerebellum, precluding analog facilitation. These results suggest that analog-to-digital facilitation is tempered by development or experience in stellate cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J M Rowan
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jason M Christie
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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14
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Kornecook TJ, Yin R, Altmann S, Be X, Berry V, Ilch CP, Jarosh M, Johnson D, Lee JH, Lehto SG, Ligutti J, Liu D, Luther J, Matson D, Ortuno D, Roberts J, Taborn K, Wang J, Weiss MM, Yu V, Zhu DXD, Fremeau RT, Moyer BD. Pharmacologic Characterization of AMG8379, a Potent and Selective Small Molecule Sulfonamide Antagonist of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel NaV1.7. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 362:146-160. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.239590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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15
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Role of low-voltage-activated calcium current and extracellular calcium in controlling the firing pattern of developing CA1 pyramidal neurons. Neuroscience 2017; 344:89-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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16
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DiMauro EF, Altmann S, Berry LM, Bregman H, Chakka N, Chu-Moyer M, Bojic EF, Foti RS, Fremeau R, Gao H, Gunaydin H, Guzman-Perez A, Hall BE, Huang H, Jarosh M, Kornecook T, Lee J, Ligutti J, Liu D, Moyer BD, Ortuno D, Rose PE, Schenkel LB, Taborn K, Wang J, Wang Y, Yu V, Weiss MM. Application of a Parallel Synthetic Strategy in the Discovery of Biaryl Acyl Sulfonamides as Efficient and Selective NaV1.7 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2016; 59:7818-39. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Fremeau
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Kornecook
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | | | - Joseph Ligutti
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
| | - Bryan D. Moyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California 91320, United States
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17
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Igelhorst BA, Niederkinkhaus V, Karus C, Lange MD, Dietzel ID. Regulation of neuronal excitability by release of proteins from glial cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2014.0194. [PMID: 26009773 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of glial cells on electrical isolation and shaping of synaptic transmission between neurons have been extensively studied. Here we present evidence that the release of proteins from astrocytes as well as microglia may regulate voltage-activated Na(+) currents in neurons, thereby increasing excitability and speed of transmission in neurons kept at distance from each other by specialized glial cells. As a first example, we show that basic fibroblast growth factor and neurotrophin-3, which are released from astrocytes by exposure to thyroid hormone, influence each other to enhance Na(+) current density in cultured hippocampal neurons. As a second example, we show that the presence of microglia in hippocampal cultures can upregulate Na(+) current density. The effect can be boosted by lipopolysaccharides, bacterial membrane-derived stimulators of microglial activation. Comparable effects are induced by the exposure of neuron-enriched hippocampal cultures to tumour necrosis factor-α, which is released from stimulated microglia. Taken together, our findings suggest that release of proteins from various types of glial cells can alter neuronal excitability over a time course of several days. This explains changes in neuronal excitability occurring in states of thyroid hormone imbalance and possibly also in seizures triggered by infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte A Igelhorst
- Department of Biochemistry II, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Vanessa Niederkinkhaus
- Department of Biochemistry II, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany International Graduate School for Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Claudia Karus
- Department of Biochemistry II, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Maren D Lange
- Department of Biochemistry II, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
| | - Irmgard D Dietzel
- Department of Biochemistry II, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44780, Germany
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18
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Presynaptic hyperpolarization induces a fast analogue modulation of spike-evoked transmission mediated by axonal sodium channels. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10163. [PMID: 26657943 PMCID: PMC4682119 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, synaptic transmission usually depends on presynaptic action potentials (APs) in an all-or-none (or digital) manner. Recent studies suggest, however, that subthreshold depolarization in the presynaptic cell facilitates spike-evoked transmission, thus creating an analogue modulation of a digital process (or analogue–digital (AD) modulation). At most synapses, this process is slow and not ideally suited for the fast dynamics of neural networks. We show here that transmission at CA3–CA3 and L5–L5 synapses can be enhanced by brief presynaptic hyperpolarization such as an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). Using dual soma–axon patch recordings and live imaging, we find that this hyperpolarization-induced AD facilitation (h-ADF) is due to the recovery from inactivation of Nav channels controlling AP amplitude in the axon. Incorporated in a network model, h-ADF promotes both pyramidal cell synchrony and gamma oscillations. In conclusion, cortical excitatory synapses in local circuits display hyperpolarization-induced facilitation of spike-evoked synaptic transmission that promotes network synchrony. 'Digital' spike-evoked transmission can be facilitated by slow subthreshold 'analogue' depolarisation of the presynaptic neuron. Here, the authors identify a novel, rapid form of digital-analogue facilitation in mammalian neurons whereby presynaptic hyperpolarisation enables de-inactivation of axonal Nav channels.
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19
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Kim Y, Hsu CL, Cembrowski MS, Mensh BD, Spruston N. Dendritic sodium spikes are required for long-term potentiation at distal synapses on hippocampal pyramidal neurons. eLife 2015; 4:e06414. [PMID: 26247712 PMCID: PMC4576155 DOI: 10.7554/elife.06414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic integration of synaptic inputs mediates rapid neural computation as well as longer-lasting plasticity. Several channel types can mediate dendritically initiated spikes (dSpikes), which may impact information processing and storage across multiple timescales; however, the roles of different channels in the rapid vs long-term effects of dSpikes are unknown. We show here that dSpikes mediated by Nav channels (blocked by a low concentration of TTX) are required for long-term potentiation (LTP) in the distal apical dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, imaging, simulations, and buffering experiments all support a model whereby fast Nav channel-mediated dSpikes (Na-dSpikes) contribute to LTP induction by promoting large, transient, localized increases in intracellular calcium concentration near the calcium-conducting pores of NMDAR and L-type Cav channels. Thus, in addition to contributing to rapid neural processing, Na-dSpikes are likely to contribute to memory formation via their role in long-lasting synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Kim
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Ching-Lung Hsu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
| | - Mark S Cembrowski
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Brett D Mensh
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Nelson Spruston
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, United States
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20
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Vandael DHF, Ottaviani MM, Legros C, Lefort C, Guérineau NC, Allio A, Carabelli V, Carbone E. Reduced availability of voltage-gated sodium channels by depolarization or blockade by tetrodotoxin boosts burst firing and catecholamine release in mouse chromaffin cells. J Physiol 2015; 593:905-27. [PMID: 25620605 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.283374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mouse chromaffin cells (MCCs) of the adrenal medulla possess fast-inactivating Nav channels whose availability alters spontaneous action potential firing patterns and the Ca(2+)-dependent secretion of catecholamines. Here, we report MCCs expressing large densities of neuronal fast-inactivating Nav1.3 and Nav1.7 channels that carry little or no subthreshold pacemaker currents and can be slowly inactivated by 50% upon slight membrane depolarization. Reducing Nav1.3/Nav1.7 availability by tetrodotoxin or by sustained depolarization near rest leads to a switch from tonic to burst-firing patterns that give rise to elevated Ca(2+)-influx and increased catecholamine release. Spontaneous burst firing is also evident in a small percentage of control MCCs. Our results establish that burst firing comprises an intrinsic firing mode of MCCs that boosts their output. This occurs particularly when Nav channel availability is reduced by sustained splanchnic nerve stimulation or prolonged cell depolarizations induced by acidosis, hyperkalaemia and increased muscarine levels. ABSTRACT Action potential (AP) firing in mouse chromaffin cells (MCCs) is mainly sustained by Cav1.3 L-type channels that drive BK and SK currents and regulate the pacemaking cycle. As secretory units, CCs optimally recruit Ca(2+) channels when stimulated, a process potentially dependent on the modulation of the AP waveform. Our previous work has shown that a critical determinant of AP shape is voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) channel availability. Here, we studied the contribution of Nav channels to firing patterns and AP shapes at rest (-50 mV) and upon stimulation (-40 mV). Using quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, we show that MCCs mainly express tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive, fast-inactivating Nav1.3 and Nav1.7 channels that carry little or no Na(+) current during slow ramp depolarizations. Time constants and the percentage of recovery from fast inactivation and slow entry into closed-state inactivation are similar to that of brain Nav1.3 and Nav1.7 channels. The fraction of available Nav channels is reduced by half after 10 mV depolarization from -50 to -40 mV. This leads to low amplitude spikes and a reduction in repolarizing K(+) currents inverting the net current from outward to inward during the after-hyperpolarization. When Nav channel availability is reduced by up to 20% of total, either by TTX block or steady depolarization, a switch from tonic to burst firing is observed. The spontaneous occurrence of high frequency bursts is rare under control conditions (14% of cells) but leads to major Ca(2+)-entry and increased catecholamine release. Thus, Nav1.3/Nav1.7 channel availability sets the AP shape, burst-firing initiation and regulates catecholamine secretion in MCCs. Nav channel inactivation becomes important during periods of high activity, mimicking stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H F Vandael
- Department of Drug Science, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, NIS Center, CNISM Unit, Torino, Italy
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21
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Vandael DHF, Marcantoni A, Carbone E. Cav1.3 Channels as Key Regulators of Neuron-Like Firings and Catecholamine Release in Chromaffin Cells. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2015; 8:149-61. [PMID: 25966692 PMCID: PMC5384372 DOI: 10.2174/1874467208666150507105443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal and neuroendocrine L-type calcium channels (Cav1.2, Cav1.3) open readily at relatively low membrane potentials and allow Ca(2+) to enter the cells near resting potentials. In this way, Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 shape the action potential waveform, contribute to gene expression, synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation, hormone secretion and pacemaker activity. In the chromaffin cells (CCs) of the adrenal medulla, Cav1.3 is highly expressed and is shown to support most of the pacemaking current that sustains action potential (AP) firings and part of the catecholamine secretion. Cav1.3 forms Ca(2+)-nanodomains with the fast inactivating BK channels and drives the resting SK currents. These latter set the inter-spike interval duration between consecutive spikes during spontaneous firing and the rate of spike adaptation during sustained depolarizations. Cav1.3 plays also a primary role in the switch from "tonic" to "burst" firing that occurs in mouse CCs when either the availability of voltage-gated Na channels (Nav) is reduced or the β2 subunit featuring the fast inactivating BK channels is deleted. Here, we discuss the functional role of these "neuron-like" firing modes in CCs and how Cav1.3 contributes to them. The open issue is to understand how these novel firing patterns are adapted to regulate the quantity of circulating catecholamines during resting condition or in response to acute and chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science, Corso Raffaello 30, I - 10125 Torino, Italy.
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22
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Wolff M, Schnöbel-Ehehalt R, Mühling J, Weigand MA, Olschewski A. Mechanisms of Lidocaine’s Action on Subtypes of Spinal Dorsal Horn Neurons Subject to the Diverse Roles of Na+ and K+ Channels in Action Potential Generation. Anesth Analg 2014; 119:463-470. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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23
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Kv2 channel regulation of action potential repolarization and firing patterns in superior cervical ganglion neurons and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neurosci 2014; 34:4991-5002. [PMID: 24695716 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1925-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Kv2 family "delayed-rectifier" potassium channels are widely expressed in mammalian neurons. Kv2 channels activate relatively slowly and their contribution to action potential repolarization under physiological conditions has been unclear. We explored the function of Kv2 channels using a Kv2-selective blocker, Guangxitoxin-1E (GxTX-1E). Using acutely isolated neurons, mixed voltage-clamp and current-clamp experiments were done at 37°C to study the physiological kinetics of channel gating and action potentials. In both rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, 100 nm GxTX-1E produced near-saturating block of a component of current typically constituting ∼60-80% of the total delayed-rectifier current. GxTX-1E also reduced A-type potassium current (IA), but much more weakly. In SCG neurons, 100 nm GxTX-1E broadened spikes and voltage clamp experiments using action potential waveforms showed that Kv2 channels carry ∼55% of the total outward current during action potential repolarization despite activating relatively late in the spike. In CA1 neurons, 100 nm GxTX-1E broadened spikes evoked from -70 mV, but not -80 mV, likely reflecting a greater role of Kv2 when other potassium channels were partially inactivated at -70 mV. In both CA1 and SCG neurons, inhibition of Kv2 channels produced dramatic depolarization of interspike voltages during repetitive firing. In CA1 neurons and some SCG neurons, this was associated with increased initial firing frequency. In all neurons, inhibition of Kv2 channels depressed maintained firing because neurons entered depolarization block more readily. Therefore, Kv2 channels can either decrease or increase neuronal excitability depending on the time scale of excitation.
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24
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Hu H, Jonas P. A supercritical density of Na(+) channels ensures fast signaling in GABAergic interneuron axons. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:686-93. [PMID: 24657965 PMCID: PMC4286295 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic interneurons, a large proportion of which are basket cells (BCs), have a key role in feedforward and feedback inhibition, gamma oscillations and complex information processing. For these functions, fast propagation of action potentials (APs) from the soma to the presynaptic terminals is important. However, the functional properties of interneuron axons remain elusive. We examined interneuron axons by confocally targeted subcellular patch-clamp recording in rat hippocampal slices. APs were initiated in the proximal axon ~20 μm from the soma and propagated to the distal axon with high reliability and speed. Subcellular mapping revealed a stepwise increase of Na(+) conductance density from the soma to the proximal axon, followed by a further gradual increase in the distal axon. Active cable modeling and experiments with partial channel block revealed that low axonal Na(+) conductance density was sufficient for reliability, but high Na(+) density was necessary for both speed of propagation and fast-spiking AP phenotype. Our results suggest that a supercritical density of Na(+) channels compensates for the morphological properties of interneuron axons (small segmental diameter, extensive branching and high bouton density), ensuring fast AP propagation and high-frequency repetitive firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Hu
- IST Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
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25
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Dysmyelination of auditory afferent axons increases the jitter of action potential timing during high-frequency firing. J Neurosci 2013; 33:9402-7. [PMID: 23719808 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3389-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory neuropathies are linked to loss of temporal acuity of sound-evoked signals, which may be related to myelin loss. However, it is not known how myelin loss affects the waveform and temporal precision of action potentials (APs) in auditory CNS nerve terminals. Here we investigated the excitability of the calyx of Held nerve terminal in dysmyelinated auditory brainstems using the Long-Evans Shaker (LES) rat, a spontaneous mutant where compact myelin wrapping does not occur due to a genetic deletion of myelin basic protein. We found at relatively mature postnatal ages (15-17 d after birth) LES rat calyces showed prolonged spike latencies, indicative of a threefold reduction in the AP propagation velocity. Furthermore, LES rat afferent fiber-evoked APs showed a pronounced loss of temporal precision, even at low stimulation frequencies (10 Hz). While normal calyces were able to fire APs without failures at impressive rates of up to 1 kHz, LES calyces were unable to do so. Direct recordings of the presynaptic calyx terminal AP waveform revealed that myelin loss does not affect the AP spike upstroke and downstroke kinetics, but dysmyelination reduces the after-depolarization and enhances the fast after-hyperpolarization peak following the AP spike in the LES rat. Together these findings show that proper myelination is essential not only for fast AP propagation, but also for precise presynaptic AP firing that minimizes both spike jitter and failures, two characteristics critically important for the accurate processing of sound signals in the auditory brainstem.
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26
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Guan D, Armstrong WE, Foehring RC. Kv2 channels regulate firing rate in pyramidal neurons from rat sensorimotor cortex. J Physiol 2013; 591:4807-25. [PMID: 23878373 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.257253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The largest outward potassium current in the soma of neocortical pyramidal neurons is due to channels containing Kv2.1 α subunits. These channels have been implicated in cellular responses to seizures and ischaemia, mechanisms for intrinsic plasticity and cell death, and responsiveness to anaesthetic agents. Despite their abundance, knowledge of the function of these delayed rectifier channels has been limited by the lack of specific pharmacological agents. To test for functional roles of Kv2 channels in pyramidal cells from somatosensory or motor cortex of rats (layers 2/3 or 5), we transfected cortical neurons with DNA for a Kv2.1 pore mutant (Kv2.1W365C/Y380T: Kv2.1 DN) in an organotypic culture model to manipulate channel expression. Slices were obtained from rats at postnatal days (P7-P14) and maintained in organotypic culture. We used biolistic methods to transfect neurons with gold 'bullets' coated with DNA for the Kv2.1 DN and green fluorescent protein (GFP), GFP alone, or wild type (WT) Kv2.1 plus GFP. Cells that fluoresced green, contained a bullet and responded to positive or negative pressure from the recording pipette were considered to be transfected cells. In each slice, we recorded from a transfected cell and a control non-transfected cell from the same layer and area. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings obtained after 3-7 days in culture showed that cells transfected with the Kv2.1 DN had a significant reduction in outward current (∼45% decrease in the total current density measured 200 ms after onset of a voltage step from -78 to -2 mV). Transfection with GFP alone did not affect current amplitude and overexpression of the Kv2.1 WT resulted in greatly increased currents. Current-clamp experiments were used to assess the functional consequences of manipulation of Kv2.1 expression. The results suggest roles for Kv2 channels in controlling membrane potential during the interspike interval (ISI), firing rate, spike frequency adaptation (SFA) and the steady-state gain of firing. Specifically, firing rate and gain were reduced in the Kv2.1 DN cells. The most parsimonious explanation for the effects on firing is that in the absence of Kv2 channels, the membrane remains depolarized during the ISIs, preventing recovery of Na(+) channels from inactivation. Depolarization and the number of inactivated Na(+) channels would build with successive spikes, resulting in slower firing and enhanced spike frequency adaptation in the Kv2.1 DN cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Guan
- R. C. Foehring: Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Park YY, Johnston D, Gray R. Slowly inactivating component of Na+ current in peri-somatic region of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neurophysiol 2013; 109:1378-90. [PMID: 23236005 PMCID: PMC3602831 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00435.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The properties of voltage-gated ion channels on the neuronal membrane shape electrical activity such as generation and backpropagation of action potentials, initiation of dendritic spikes, and integration of synaptic inputs. Subthreshold currents mediated by sodium channels are of interest because of their activation near rest, slow inactivation kinetics, and consequent effects on excitability. Modulation of these currents can also perturb physiological responses of a neuron that might underlie pathological states such as epilepsy. Using nucleated patches from the peri-somatic region of hippocampal CA1 neurons, we recorded a slowly inactivating component of the macroscopic Na(+) current (which we have called INaS) that shared many biophysical properties with the persistent Na(+) current, INaP, but showed distinctively faster inactivating kinetics. Ramp voltage commands with a velocity of 400 mV/s were found to elicit this component of Na(+) current reliably. INaS also showed a more hyperpolarized I-V relationship and slower inactivation than those of the fast transient Na(+) current (INaT) recorded in the same patches. The peak amplitude of INaS was proportional to the peak amplitude of INaT but was much smaller in amplitude. Hexanol, riluzole, and ranolazine, known Na(+) channel blockers, were tested to compare their effects on both INaS and INaT. The peak conductance of INaS was preferentially blocked by hexanol and riluzole, but the shift of half-inactivation voltage (V1/2) was only observed in the presence of riluzole. Current-clamp measurements with hexanol suggested that INaS was involved in generation of an action potential and in upregulation of neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yul Young Park
- Center for Learning and Memory, Univ. of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0805, USA
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Lin JW. Spatial gradient in TTX sensitivity of axons at the crayfish opener neuromuscular junction. J Neurophysiol 2012; 109:162-70. [PMID: 23054602 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00463.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
At the crayfish opener neuromuscular junction, axons branch repeatedly before synapsing onto muscle fibers as varicosities. Excitability of these axons was examined with two-electrode current clamp before and after partial block of Na(+) channels with 1 nM tetrodotoxin. 4-Aminopyridine (200 μM) was added to homogenize nonuniformity in K(+) channel density. The impact of tetrodotoxin was evaluated in terms of action potential (AP) amplitude, rate of rise, and threshold. All three parameters were more severely affected at the secondary than the primary branching point (BP). Both BPs fired continuously during 1-s current steps before tetrodotoxin. After tetrodotoxin, the secondary BP fired only in brief bursts, whereas the primary BP still fired continuously. Despite this diminished excitability at the secondary BP, no failure in orthodromic AP conduction was observed. AP waveform at terminals (AP(f)) was examined with voltage indicators. For orthodromic APs, reduction in AP amplitude and prolongation of AP rise time in tetrodotoxin were more pronounced in terminals than at the secondary BP. For APs initiated at the secondary BP, AP(f) sometimes failed to show a spikelike waveform in tetrodotoxin. This degraded AP(f) was not due to averaging variable AP invasion into terminals, because the variance of AP(f) traces did not increase in tetrodotoxin. Tetrodotoxin applied in the absence of 4-aminopyridine showed an impact on the distal axon similar but less distinct than that recorded with 4-aminopyridine. In conclusion, the distal axon is more sensitive to tetrodotoxin than the proximal axon, such that AP waveform degrades as it propagates toward terminals in tetrodotoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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29
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Suter BA, Migliore M, Shepherd GMG. Intrinsic electrophysiology of mouse corticospinal neurons: a class-specific triad of spike-related properties. Cereb Cortex 2012; 23:1965-77. [PMID: 22761308 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal pyramidal neurons mediate diverse aspects of motor behavior. We measured spike-related electrophysiological properties of identified corticospinal neurons in primary motor cortex slices from young adult mice. Several consistent features were observed in the suprathreshold responses to current steps: 1) Corticospinal neurons fired relatively fast action potentials (APs; width at half-maximum 0.65 ± 0.13 ms, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) compared with neighboring callosally projecting corticostriatal neurons. Corticospinal AP width was intermediate between 2 classes of inhibitory interneuron in layer 5B. Spike-to-spike variability in AP width and other spike waveform parameters was low, even during repetitive firing up to 20 Hz, that is, the relative narrowness of corticospinal APs was essentially frequency independent. 2) Frequency-current (f-I) relationships were nearly linear. 3) Trains of APs displayed regular firing, with rates typically staying constant or accelerating over time. Corticospinal neurons recorded from older mice (up to 4 months) or from a separate lateral cortical area (Region B; corresponding to secondary somatosensory cortex) showed generally similar intrinsic properties. Our findings have implications for interpreting spike waveforms of in vivo recorded neurons in the motor cortex. This analysis provides a framework for further biophysical and computational investigations of corticospinal neurons and their roles in motor cortical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Suter
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Abstract
Axons are generally considered as reliable transmission cables in which stable propagation occurs once an action potential is generated. Axon dysfunction occupies a central position in many inherited and acquired neurological disorders that affect both peripheral and central neurons. Recent findings suggest that the functional and computational repertoire of the axon is much richer than traditionally thought. Beyond classical axonal propagation, intrinsic voltage-gated ionic currents together with the geometrical properties of the axon determine several complex operations that not only control signal processing in brain circuits but also neuronal timing and synaptic efficacy. Recent evidence for the implication of these forms of axonal computation in the short-term dynamics of neuronal communication is discussed. Finally, we review how neuronal activity regulates both axon morphology and axonal function on a long-term time scale during development and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Debanne
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U.641 and Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Campanac
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U.641 and Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Andrzej Bialowas
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U.641 and Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Edmond Carlier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U.641 and Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Gisèle Alcaraz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U.641 and Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Marseille, France
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Presynaptic resurgent Na+ currents sculpt the action potential waveform and increase firing reliability at a CNS nerve terminal. J Neurosci 2010; 30:15479-90. [PMID: 21084604 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3982-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal and nerve terminal action potentials often display a depolarizing after potential (DAP). However, the underlying mechanism that generates the DAP, and its impact on firing patterns, are poorly understood at axon terminals. Here, we find that at calyx of Held nerve terminals in the rat auditory brainstem the DAP is blocked by low doses of externally applied TTX or by the internal dialysis of low doses of lidocaine analog QX-314. The DAP is thus generated by a voltage-dependent Na(+) conductance present after the action potential spike. Voltage-clamp recordings from the calyx terminal revealed the expression of a resurgent Na(+) current (I(NaR)), the amplitude of which increased during early postnatal development. The calyx of Held also expresses a persistent Na(+) current (I(NaP)), but measurements of calyx I(NaP) together with computer modeling indicate that the fast deactivation time constant of I(NaP) minimizes its contribution to the DAP. I(NaP) is thus neither sufficient nor necessary to generate the calyx DAP, whereas I(NaR) by itself can generate a prominent DAP. Dialysis of a small peptide fragment of the auxiliary β4 Na(+) channel subunit into immature calyces (postnatal day 5-6) induced an increase in I(NaR) and a larger DAP amplitude, and enhanced the spike-firing precision and reliability of the calyx terminal. Our results thus suggest that an increase of I(NaR) during postnatal synaptic maturation is a critical feature that promotes precise and resilient high-frequency firing.
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Carter BC, Bean BP. Incomplete inactivation and rapid recovery of voltage-dependent sodium channels during high-frequency firing in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. J Neurophysiol 2010; 105:860-71. [PMID: 21160003 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01056.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purkinje neurons can spike very rapidly for sustained periods. We examined the cycle of sodium channel gating during high-frequency firing of Purkinje neurons, focusing on the kinetics of sodium channel inactivation and recovery during and after spikes. To analyze sodium channel availability during spiking, we recorded the firing patterns of acutely dissociated Purkinje neurons in current clamp and used these records as command voltages in voltage-clamp experiments in the same cell, adding step depolarizations at various points to assay availability. Sodium channel availability decreased abruptly during the spike, as expected, but never reached zero. During spontaneous firing (∼ 40 Hz at 37°C), availability decreased from nearly 90% before the spike to about 10-20% after the spike. With fast steady firing stimulated by current injection (∼ 300 Hz at 37°C), the availability decreased from about 60% between spikes to roughly 15-20% after the spike. Thus even at the fastest firing rates, sodium channel inactivation is incomplete after a spike, leaving a substantial fraction of sodium channels immediately available for activation. Also, inactivation recovered quickly during the early interspike interval (time constant ∼ 1 ms at 37°C), but developed slowly during the depolarization of the late interspike interval, ensuring high availability until spike threshold. These features of sodium channel gating, especially the availability remaining after the spike, reduce the refractory period and facilitate rapid repetitive firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett C Carter
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurobiology, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Yau HJ, Baranauskas G, Martina M. Flufenamic acid decreases neuronal excitability through modulation of voltage-gated sodium channel gating. J Physiol 2010; 588:3869-82. [PMID: 20724367 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.193037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrophysiological phenotype of individual neurons critically depends on the biophysical properties of the voltage-gated channels they express. Differences in sodium channel gating are instrumental in determining the different firing phenotypes of pyramidal cells and interneurons; moreover, sodium channel modulation represents an important mechanism of action for many widely used CNS drugs. Flufenamic acid (FFA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that has been long used as a blocker of calcium-dependent cationic conductances. Here we show that FFA inhibits voltage-gated sodium currents in hippocampal pyramidal neurons; this effect is dose-dependent with IC(50) = 189 μm. We used whole-cell and nucleated patch recordings to investigate the mechanisms of FFA modulation of TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium current. Our data show that flufenamic acid slows down the inactivation process of the sodium current, while shifting the inactivation curve ~10 mV toward more hyperpolarized potentials. The recovery from inactivation is also affected in a voltage-dependent way, resulting in slower recovery at hyperpolarized potentials. Recordings from acute slices demonstrate that FFA reduces repetitive- and abolishes burst-firing in CA1 pyramidal neurons. A computational model based on our data was employed to better understand the mechanisms of FFA action. Simulation data support the idea that FFA acts via a novel mechanism by reducing the voltage dependence of the sodium channel fast inactivation rates. These effects of FFA suggest that it may be an effective anti-epileptic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hau-Jie Yau
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Isolation of somatic Na+ currents by selective inactivation of axonal channels with a voltage prepulse. J Neurosci 2010; 30:7740-8. [PMID: 20519549 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6136-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a simple and effective method for isolating the somatic Na(+) current recorded under voltage clamp from neurons in brain slices. The principle is to convert the axon from an active compartment capable of generating uncontrolled axonal spikes into a passive structure by selectively inactivating axonal Na(+) channels. Typically, whole-cell currents from intact neurons under somatic voltage clamp contain a mixture of Na(+) current and axial current caused by escaped axonal spikes. We found that a brief prepulse to voltages near spike threshold evokes the axonal spike, which inactivates axonal but not somatic channels. A subsequent voltage step then evokes only somatic Na(+) current from electrotonically proximal sodium channels under good voltage-clamp control. Simulations using a neuron compartmental model support the idea that the prepulse effectively inactivates currents from the axon and isolates well controlled somatic currents. Na(+) currents recorded from cortical pyramidal neurons in slices, using the prepulse, were found to have voltage dependence nearly identical to that of currents recorded from acutely dissociated pyramidal neurons. In addition, studies in dissociated neurons show that the prepulse has no visible effect on the voltage dependence and kinetics of Na(+) currents elicited by the subsequent voltage step, only decreasing the amplitude of the currents by 10-20%. The technique was effective in several neuronal types in brain slices from male and female neonatal rats and mice, including raphé neurons, cortical pyramidal neurons, inferior olivary neurons, and hypoglossal motoneurons.
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Seutin V, Engel D. Differences in Na+ conductance density and Na+ channel functional properties between dopamine and GABA neurons of the rat substantia nigra. J Neurophysiol 2010; 103:3099-114. [PMID: 20357070 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00513.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) neurons and GABA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) promote distinct functions in the control of movement and have different firing properties and action potential (AP) waveforms. APs recorded from DA and GABA neurons differed in amplitude, maximal rate of rise, and duration. In addition, the threshold potential for APs was higher in DA neurons than in GABA neurons. The activation of voltage-gated Na(+) channels accounts largely for these differences as the application of a low concentration of the voltage-gated Na(+) channel blocker TTX had an effect on all of these parameters. We have examined functional properties of somatic Na(+) channels in nucleated patches isolated from DA and GABA neurons. Peak amplitudes of macroscopic Na(+) currents were smaller in DA neurons in comparison to those in GABA neurons. The mean peak Na(+) conductance density was 24.5 pS microm(-2) in DA neurons and almost twice as large, 41.6 pS microm(-2), in GABA neurons. The voltage dependence of Na(+) channel activation was not different between the two types of SN neurons. Na(+) channels in DA and GABA neurons, however, differed in the voltage dependence of inactivation, the mean mid-point potential of steady-state inactivation curve being more positive in DA neurons than in GABA neurons. The results suggest that specific Na(+) channel gating properties and Na(+) conductance densities in the somatic membrane of SN neurons may have consequences on synaptic signal integration in the soma of both types of neurons and on somatodendritic release of dopamine by DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Seutin
- GIGA Neurosciences, Electrophysiology Unit, University of Liege, Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium
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36
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Hawasli AH, Koovakkattu D, Hayashi K, Anderson AE, Powell CM, Sinton CM, Bibb JA, Cooper DC. Regulation of hippocampal and behavioral excitability by cyclin-dependent kinase 5. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5808. [PMID: 19529798 PMCID: PMC2695674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a proline-directed serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in learning, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission, and numerous neurological disorders. We previously showed that conditional loss of Cdk5 in adult mice enhanced hippocampal learning and plasticity via modulation of calpain-mediated N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) degradation. In the present study, we characterize the enhanced synaptic plasticity and examine the effects of long-term Cdk5 loss on hippocampal excitability in adult mice. Field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) from the Schaffer collateral CA1 subregion of the hippocampus (SC/CA1) reveal that loss of Cdk5 altered theta burst topography and enhanced post-tetanic potentiation. Since Cdk5 governs NMDAR NR2B subunit levels, we investigated the effects of long-term Cdk5 knockout on hippocampal neuronal excitability by measuring NMDAR-mediated fEPSP magnitudes and population-spike thresholds. Long-term loss of Cdk5 led to increased Mg2+-sensitive potentials and a lower threshold for epileptiform activity and seizures. Biochemical analyses were performed to better understand the role of Cdk5 in seizures. Induced-seizures in wild-type animals led to elevated amounts of p25, the Cdk5-activating cofactor. Long-term, but not acute, loss of Cdk5 led to decreased p25 levels, suggesting that Cdk5/p25 may be activated as a homeostatic mechanism to attenuate epileptiform activity. These findings indicate that Cdk5 regulates synaptic plasticity, controls neuronal and behavioral stimulus-induced excitability and may be a novel pharmacological target for cognitive and anticonvulsant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar H. Hawasli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Della Koovakkattu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kanehiro Hayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Anderson
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Craig M. Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Sinton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - James A. Bibb
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Donald C. Cooper
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
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Dopamine modulates an mGluR5-mediated depolarization underlying prefrontal persistent activity. Nat Neurosci 2009; 12:190-9. [PMID: 19169252 PMCID: PMC2727588 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 11/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The intrinsic properties of neurons that enable them to maintain depolarized, persistently activated states in the absence of sustained input are poorly understood. In short-term memory tasks, individual prefrontal cortical (PFC) neurons can maintain persistent action potential output during delay periods between informative cues and behavioral responses. Dopamine and drugs of abuse alter PFC function and working memory, possibly by modulating intrinsic neuronal properties. Here we used patch-clamp recording of layer 5 PFC pyramidal neurons to identify a postsynaptic depolarization that was evoked by action potential bursts and mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). This depolarization occurred in the absence of recurrent synaptic activity and was reduced by a dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) protein kinase A pathway. After behavioral sensitization to cocaine, the depolarization was substantially diminished and D1R modulation was lost. We propose that burst-evoked intrinsic depolarization is a form of short-term cellular memory that is modulated by dopamine and cocaine experience.
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Atherton JF, Wokosin DL, Ramanathan S, Bevan MD. Autonomous initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons of the subthalamic nucleus. J Physiol 2008; 586:5679-700. [PMID: 18832425 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.155861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is intimately related to movement and is generated, in part, by voltage-dependent Na(+) (Na(v)) channels that drive autonomous firing. In order to determine the principles underlying the initiation and propagation of action potentials in STN neurons, 2-photon laser scanning microscopy was used to guide tight-seal whole-cell somatic and loose-seal cell-attached axonal/dendritic patch-clamp recordings and compartment-selective ion channel manipulation in rat brain slices. Action potentials were first detected in a region that corresponded most closely to the unmyelinated axon initial segment, as defined by Golgi and ankyrin G labelling. Following initiation, action potentials propagated reliably into axonal and somatodendritic compartments with conduction velocities of approximately 5 m s(-1) and approximately 0.7 m s(-1), respectively. Action potentials generated by neurons with axons truncated within or beyond the axon initial segment were not significantly different. However, axon initial segment and somatic but not dendritic or more distal axonal application of low [Na(+)] ACSF or the selective Na(v) channel blocker tetrodotoxin consistently depolarized action potential threshold. Finally, somatodendritic but not axonal application of GABA evoked large, rapid inhibitory currents in concordance with electron microscopic analyses, which revealed that the somatodendritic compartment was the principal target of putative inhibitory inputs. Together the data are consistent with the conclusions that in STN neurons the axon initial segment and soma express an excess of Na(v) channels for the generation of autonomous activity, while synaptic activation of somatodendritic GABA(A) receptors regulates the axonal initiation of action potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy F Atherton
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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39
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Abstract
Barrel cortex neuronal responses adapt to changes in the statistics of complex whisker stimuli. This form of adaptation involves an adjustment in the input-output tuning functions of the neurons, such that their gain rescales depending on the range of the current stimulus distribution. Similar phenomena have been observed in other sensory systems, suggesting that adaptive adjustment of responses to ongoing stimulus statistics is an important principle of sensory function. In other systems, adaptation and gain rescaling can depend on intrinsic properties; however, in barrel cortex, whether intrinsic mechanisms can contribute to adaptation to stimulus statistics is unknown. To examine this, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of pyramidal cells in acute slices while injecting stochastic current stimuli. We induced changes in statistical context by switching across stimulus distributions. The firing rates of neurons adapted in response to changes in stimulus statistics. Adaptation depended on the form of the changes in stimulus distribution: in vivo-like adaptation occurred only for rectified stimuli that maintained neurons in a persistent state of net depolarization. Under these conditions, neurons rescaled the gain of their input-output functions according to the scale of the stimulus distribution, as observed in vivo. This stimulus-specific adaptation was caused by intrinsic properties and correlated strongly with the amplitude of calcium-dependent slow afterhyperpolarizations. Our results suggest that widely expressed intrinsic mechanisms participate in barrel cortex adaptation but that their recruitment is highly stimulus specific.
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40
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Scott LL, Hage TA, Golding NL. Weak action potential backpropagation is associated with high-frequency axonal firing capability in principal neurons of the gerbil medial superior olive. J Physiol 2007; 583:647-61. [PMID: 17627992 PMCID: PMC2277041 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.136366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Principal neurons of the medial superior olive (MSO) convey azimuthal sound localization cues through modulation of their rate of action potential firing. Previous intracellular studies in vitro have shown that action potentials appear highly attenuated at the soma of MSO neurons, potentially reflecting specialized action potential initiation and/or a physically distant site of generation. To examine this more directly, we made dual patch-clamp recordings from MSO principal neurons in gerbil brainstem slices. Using somatic and dendritic whole-cell recordings, we show that graded action potentials at the soma are highly sensitive to the rate of rise of excitation and undergo strong attenuation in their backpropagation into the dendrites (length constant, 76 microm), particularly during strong dendritic excitation. Using paired somatic whole-cell and axonal loose-patch recordings, we show that action potentials recorded in the axon at distances > 25 microm are all-or-none, and uniform in amplitude even when action potentials appear graded at the soma. This proximal zone corresponded to the start of myelination in the axon, as assessed with immunocytochemical staining for myelin basic protein in single-labelled neurons. Finally, the axon was capable of sustaining remarkably high firing rates, with perfect entrainment occurring at frequencies of up to 1 kHz. Together, our findings show that action potential signalling in MSO principal neurons is highly secure, but shows a restricted invasion of the somatodendritic compartment of the cell. This restriction may be important for minimizing distortions in synaptic integration during the high frequencies of synaptic input encountered in the MSO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa L Scott
- Section of Neurobiology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0248, USA
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41
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Russo MJ, Mugnaini E, Martina M. Intrinsic properties and mechanisms of spontaneous firing in mouse cerebellar unipolar brush cells. J Physiol 2007; 581:709-24. [PMID: 17379636 PMCID: PMC2075188 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.129106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal firing patterns are determined by the cell's intrinsic electrical and morphological properties and are regulated by synaptic interactions. While the properties of cerebellar neurons have generally been studied in much detail, little is known about the unipolar brush cells (UBCs), a type of glutamatergic interneuron that is enriched in the granular layer of the mammalian vestibulocerebellum and participates in the representation of head orientation in space. Here we show that UBCs can be distinguished from adjacent granule cells on the basis of differences in membrane capacitance, input resistance and response to hyperpolarizing current injection. We also show that UBCs are intrinsically firing neurons. Using action potential clamp experiments and whole-cell recordings we demonstrate that two currents contribute to this property: a persistent TTX-sensitive sodium current and a ruthenium red-sensitive, TRP-like cationic current, both of which are active during interspike intervals and have reversal potentials positive to threshold. Interestingly, although UBCs are also endowed with a large I(h) current, this current is not involved in their intrinsic firing, perhaps because it activates at voltages that are more hyperpolarized than those associated with autonomous activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco J Russo
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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42
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Querfurth H. Action-potential initiation and maintained activity of the isolated frog muscle spindle. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 24:1147-56. [PMID: 16930440 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.04983.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The initiation of afferent action potentials represents the basic signalling process integrating and coding information of an external stimulus. There is also evidence in sensory receptor neurons of spontaneously generating action potentials that interfere with and modify the stimulus evoked activity. The present study investigates the generation of spontaneous action potentials in the isolated muscle spindle of the frog by recording receptor potentials, small subthreshold depolarizations, propagated impulses and interspike transients from the first Ranvier-node of the afferent stem fibre. The temporal pattern of spontaneous discharges at resting length depended on several variables interacting at the encoding site. In the absence of mechanical stimulation, a large resting receptor potential steadily depolarized the encoding node and provoked action potentials at irregular intervals. After each action potential, the hyperpolarizing afterpotential provided a slowly increasing depolarizing interspike transient of decreasing slope (time constant 128 ms), which evoked small subthreshold depolarizations (decay time > 5 ms; multimodal amplitude distribution) before the following action potential discharged. The probability of the small subthreshold depolarizations increased the longer the resting receptor potential stayed constant at its maximum amplitude. When increasing the static prestretch level encoding depended also on the stretch-evoked receptor potential as an additional parameter. The resulting depolarizing interspike transients were then larger and also more steeply rising, so that the afferent discharges increased in both rate and regularity. The experiments show dynamic threshold patterns that control action-potential initiation by the assessment of the actual amplitude of depolarization and its rate of rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Querfurth
- Institut für Physiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Arnimallee 22, D-14195 Berlin Dahlem, Germany.
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Higgs MH, Slee SJ, Spain WJ. Diversity of gain modulation by noise in neocortical neurons: regulation by the slow afterhyperpolarization conductance. J Neurosci 2006; 26:8787-99. [PMID: 16928867 PMCID: PMC6674385 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1792-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal firing is known to depend on the variance of synaptic input as well as the mean input current. Several studies suggest that input variance, or "noise," has a divisive effect, reducing the slope or gain of the firing frequency-current (f-I) relationship. We measured the effects of current noise on f-I relationships in pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking (FS) interneurons in slices of rat sensorimotor cortex. In most pyramidal neurons, noise had a multiplicative effect on the steady-state f-I relationship, increasing gain. In contrast, noise reduced gain in FS interneurons. Gain enhancement in pyramidal neurons increased with stimulus duration and was correlated with the amplitude of the slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP), a major mechanism of spike-frequency adaptation. The 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT reduced the sAHP and eliminated gain increases, whereas augmenting the sAHP conductance by spike-triggered dynamic-current clamp enhanced the gain increase. These results indicate that the effects of noise differ fundamentally between classes of neocortical neurons, depending on specific biophysical properties including the sAHP conductance. Thus, noise from background synaptic input may enhance network excitability by increasing gain in pyramidal neurons with large sAHPs and reducing gain in inhibitory FS interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William J. Spain
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and
- Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, and
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98108
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Enomoto A, Han JM, Hsiao CF, Wu N, Chandler SH. Participation of sodium currents in burst generation and control of membrane excitability in mesencephalic trigeminal neurons. J Neurosci 2006; 26:3412-22. [PMID: 16571748 PMCID: PMC6673852 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5274-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2005] [Revised: 02/08/2006] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Subthreshold sodium currents are important in sculpting neuronal discharge and have been implicated in production and/or maintenance of subthreshold membrane oscillations and burst generation in mesencephalic trigeminal neurons (Mes V). Moreover, recent data suggest that, in some CNS neurons, resurgent sodium currents contribute to production of high-frequency burst discharge. In the present study, we sought to determine more directly the participation of these currents during Mes V electrogenesis using the action potential-clamp method. In postnatal day 8-14 rats, the whole-cell patch-clamp method was used to record sodium currents by subtraction in response to application of TTX in voltage-clamp mode using the action potential waveform as the command protocol. We found that TTX-sensitive sodium current is the main inward current flowing during the interspike interval, compared with the h-current (Ih) and calcium currents. Furthermore, in addition to the transient sodium current that flows during the upstroke of action potential, we show that resurgent sodium current flows at the peak of afterhyperpolarization and persistent sodium current flows in the middle of the interspike interval to drive high-frequency firing. Additionally, transient, resurgent, and persistent sodium current components showed voltage- and time-dependent slow inactivation, suggesting that slow inactivation of these currents can contribute to burst termination. The data suggest an important role for these components of the sodium current in Mes V neuron electrogenesis.
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Baufreton J, Atherton JF, Surmeier DJ, Bevan MD. Enhancement of excitatory synaptic integration by GABAergic inhibition in the subthalamic nucleus. J Neurosci 2006; 25:8505-17. [PMID: 16162932 PMCID: PMC6725678 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1163-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity patterns of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons, which are intimately related to normal movement and abnormal movement in Parkinson's disease (PD), are sculpted by feedback GABAergic inhibition from the reciprocally connected globus pallidus (GP). To understand the principles underlying the integration of GABAergic inputs, we used gramicidin-based patch-clamp recording of STN neurons in rat brain slices. Voltage-dependent Na+ (Nav) channels actively truncated synthetic IPSPs and were required for autonomous activity. In contrast, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated and class 3 voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels contributed minimally to the integration of single or low-frequency trains of IPSPs and autonomous activity. Interestingly, IPSPs modified action potentials (APs) in a manner that suggested IPSPs enhanced postsynaptic Nav channel availability. This possibility was confirmed in acutely isolated STN neurons using current-clamp recordings containing IPSPs as voltage-clamp waveforms. Tetrodotoxin-sensitive subthreshold and spike-associated Na+ currents declined during autonomous spiking but were indeed transiently boosted after IPSPs. A functional consequence of inhibition-dependent augmentation of postsynaptic excitability was that EPSP-AP coupling was dramatically improved when IPSPs preceded EPSPs. Because STN neuronal activity exhibits coherence with cortical beta-oscillations in PD, we tested how rhythmic sequences of cortical EPSPs were integrated in the absence and presence of feedback inhibition. STN neuronal activity was consistently entrained by EPSPs only in the presence of feedback inhibition. These observations suggest that feedback inhibition from the GP is critical for the emergence of coherent beta-oscillations between the cortex and STN in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Baufreton
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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46
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Swensen AM, Bean BP. Robustness of burst firing in dissociated purkinje neurons with acute or long-term reductions in sodium conductance. J Neurosci 2006; 25:3509-20. [PMID: 15814781 PMCID: PMC6725377 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3929-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar Purkinje neurons often generate all-or-none burst firing in response to depolarizing stimuli. Voltage-clamp experiments using action potential waveforms show that burst firing depends on small net inward currents that flow after spikes and reflect the net balance between multiple large currents. Given this, burst firing is surprisingly robust in the face of changes in the magnitude of the underlying currents from cell to cell. We explored the basis of this robustness by examining the effects of reducing the sodium current, the major contributor to the postspike inward current. Burst firing persisted in concentrations of tetrodotoxin that produced half-block of sodium current. This robustness of bursting reflects an acute feedback mechanism whereby waveform changes from the reduced sodium current (reduced spike height and a hyperpolarizing shift in postspike voltage) cause compensatory decreases in postspike potassium currents. In particular, reduced spike height reduces calcium entry and subsequent calcium-activated potassium current, and the hyperpolarizing shift in postspike voltage speeds deactivation of Kv3-like potassium channels. Other experiments examined bursting in Na(v)1.6-/- mice, in which sodium current density is reduced in the long term. Under these circumstances, there was upregulation of both T-type and P-type calcium current and a change in the balance of calcium current and calcium-activated potassium current such that their net influence shifted from being inhibitory during bursts in wild-type neurons to excitatory during bursts from Na(v)1.6-/- mutant neurons. Thus, Purkinje neurons have both acute and long-term feedback mechanisms that serve to maintain burst firing when voltage-dependent sodium conductance is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Swensen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Leão RM, Kushmerick C, Pinaud R, Renden R, Li GL, Taschenberger H, Spirou G, Levinson SR, von Gersdorff H. Presynaptic Na+ channels: locus, development, and recovery from inactivation at a high-fidelity synapse. J Neurosci 2006; 25:3724-38. [PMID: 15814803 PMCID: PMC4511161 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3983-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+ channel recovery from inactivation limits the maximal rate of neuronal firing. However, the properties of presynaptic Na+ channels are not well established because of the small size of most CNS boutons. Here we study the Na+ currents of the rat calyx of Held terminal and compare them with those of postsynaptic cells. We find that presynaptic Na+ currents recover from inactivation with a fast, single-exponential time constant (24 degrees C, tau of 1.4-1.8 ms; 35 degrees C, tau of 0.5 ms), and their inactivation rate accelerates twofold during development, which may contribute to the shortening of the action potential as the terminal matures. In contrast, recordings from postsynaptic cells in brainstem slices, and acutely dissociated, reveal that their Na+ currents recover from inactivation with a double-exponential time course (tau(fast) of 1.2-1.6 ms; tau(slow) of 80-125 ms; 24 degrees C). Surprisingly, confocal immunofluorescence revealed that Na+ channels are mostly absent from the calyx terminal but are instead highly concentrated in an unusually long (approximately 20-40 microm) unmyelinated axonal heminode. Outside-out patch recordings confirmed this segregation. Expression of Na(v)1.6 alpha-subunit increased during development, whereas the Na(v)1.2alpha-subunit was not present. Serial EM reconstructions also revealed a long pre-calyx heminode, and biophysical modeling showed that exclusion of Na+ channels from the calyx terminal produces an action potential waveform with a shorter half-width. We propose that the high density and polarized locus of Na+ channels on a long heminode are critical design features that allow the mature calyx of Held terminal to fire reliably at frequencies near 1 kHz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M Leão
- The Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA
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Metz AE, Jarsky T, Martina M, Spruston N. R-type calcium channels contribute to afterdepolarization and bursting in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neurosci 2006; 25:5763-73. [PMID: 15958743 PMCID: PMC6724888 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0624-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potentials in pyramidal neurons are typically followed by an afterdepolarization (ADP), which in many cells contributes to intrinsic burst firing. Despite the ubiquity of this common excitable property, the responsible ion channels have not been identified. Using current-clamp recordings in hippocampal slices, we find that the ADP in CA1 pyramidal neurons is mediated by an Ni2+-sensitive calcium tail current. Voltage-clamp experiments indicate that the Ni2+-sensitive current has a pharmacological and biophysical profile consistent with R-type calcium channels. These channels are available at the resting potential, are activated by the action potential, and remain open long enough to drive the ADP. Because the ADP correlates directly with burst firing in CA1 neurons, R-type calcium channels are crucial to this important cellular behavior, which is known to encode hippocampal place fields and enhance synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia E Metz
- Northwestern University Institute for Neuroscience, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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Riddall DR, Leach MJ, Garthwaite J. A Novel Drug Binding Site on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Rat Brain. Mol Pharmacol 2005; 69:278-87. [PMID: 16219909 DOI: 10.1124/mol.105.015966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of several antiepileptic, analgesic, and neuroprotective drugs is attributable to state-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. To help characterize their site and mode of action on sodium channels, a member of the lamotrigine family, R-(-)-2,4-diamino-6-(fluromethyl)-5-(2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)-pyrimidine (BW202W92), was radiolabeled and used as a binding ligand in rat forebrain synaptosomes. Although the level of specific [(3)H]BW202W92 binding in a standard incubation medium was relatively poor, low concentrations of tetrodotoxin (EC(50) = 2-3 nM) greatly enhanced the binding, apparently by increasing the affinity of the binding sites. Tetrodotoxin-dependent binding was stereoselective (the less active enantiomer, S-(-)-2,4-diamino-6-(fluromethyl)-5-(2,3,5-trichlorophenyl)-pyrimidine (BW203W92), was up to 30-fold less potent, depending on conditions) and was extremely sensitive to inhibition by raised K(+) concentration (IC(50) = 5.9 mM), an effect that was ascribed to changes in membrane potential. In addition, the binding was inhibited by sodium channel neurotoxins acting on sites 3 and 4, but it was resistant to batrachotoxin (site 2) and brevetoxin (site 5). Several drugs acting on sodium channels displaced tetrodotoxin-dependent [(3)H]BW202W92 binding, and most of those tested showed different affinities under depolarized (100 mM K(+)) and polarized (1 mM K(+)) conditions. In a subset of compounds for which data were available, binding affinity in depolarized synaptosomes correlated well with apparent affinity for the inactivated state of sodium channels. The [(3)H]BW202W92 binding site is novel and is likely to represent a pharmacologically important site of action of drugs on voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter R Riddall
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK
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50
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Monsivais P, Clark BA, Roth A, Häusser M. Determinants of action potential propagation in cerebellar Purkinje cell axons. J Neurosci 2005; 25:464-72. [PMID: 15647490 PMCID: PMC6725482 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3871-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Axons have traditionally been viewed as highly faithful transmitters of action potentials. Recently, however, experimental evidence has accumulated to support the idea that under some circumstances axonal propagation may fail. Cerebellar Purkinje neurons fire highfrequency simple spikes, as well as bursts of spikes in response to climbing fiber activation (the "complex spike"). Here we have visualized the axon of individual Purkinje cells to directly investigate the relationship between somatic spikes and axonal spikes using simultaneous somatic whole-cell and cell-attached axonal patch-clamp recordings at 200-800 microm from the soma. We demonstrate that sodium action potentials propagate at frequencies up to approximately 260 Hz, higher than simple spike rates normally observed in vivo. Complex spikes, however, did not propagate reliably, with usually only the first and last spikes in the complex spike waveform being propagated. On average, only 1.7 +/- 0.2 spikes in the complex spike were propagated during resting firing, with propagation limited to interspike intervals above approximately 4 msec. Hyperpolarization improved propagation efficacy without affecting total axonal spike number, whereas strong depolarization could abolish propagation of the complex spike. These findings indicate that the complex spike waveform is not faithfully transmitted to downstream synapses and that propagation of the climbing fiber response may be modulated by background activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Monsivais
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Physiology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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