Characteristics of spontaneous and evoked EPSPs recorded from dentate spiny hilar cells in rat hippocampal slices

Heterozygous Variants in KCNJ10 Cause Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia Via Haploinsufficiency

OBJECTIVE

Most paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) cases are hereditary, yet approximately 60% of patients remain genetically undiagnosed. We undertook the present study to uncover the genetic basis for undiagnosed PKD patients.

METHODS

Whole-exome sequencing was performed for 106 PRRT2-negative PKD probands. The functional impact of the genetic variants was investigated in HEK293T cells and Drosophila.

RESULTS

Heterozygous variants in KCNJ10 were identified in 11 individuals from 8 unrelated families, which accounted for 7.5% (8/106) of the PRRT2-negative probands. Both co-segregation of the identified variants and the significantly higher frequency of rare KCNJ10 variants in PKD cases supported impacts from the detected KCNJ10 heterozygous variants on PKD pathogenesis. Moreover, a KCNJ10 mutation-carrying father from a typical EAST/SeSAME family was identified as a PKD patient. All patients manifested dystonia attacks triggered by sudden movement with a short episodic duration. Patch-clamp recordings in HEK293T cells revealed apparent reductions in K+ currents of the patient-derived variants, indicating a loss-of-function. In Drosophila, milder hyperexcitability phenotypes were observed in heterozygous Irk2 knock-in flies compared to homozygotes, supporting haploinsufficiency as the mechanism for the detected heterozygous variants. Electrophysiological recordings showed that excitatory neurons in Irk2 haploinsufficiency flies exhibited increased excitability, and glia-specific complementation with human Kir4.1 rescued the Irk2 mutant phenotypes.

INTERPRETATION

Our study established haploinsufficiency resulting from heterozygous variants in KCNJ10 can be understood as a previously unrecognized genetic cause for PKD and provided evidence of glial involvement in the pathophysiology of PKD. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:758-773.

Increased excitability of dentate gyrus mossy cells occurs early in life in the Tg2576 model of Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Hyperexcitability in Alzheimer's disease (AD) emerge early and contribute to disease progression. The dentate gyrus (DG) is implicated in hyperexcitability in AD. We hypothesized that mossy cells (MCs), regulators of DG excitability, contribute to early hyperexcitability in AD. Indeed, MCs generate hyperexcitability in epilepsy.

METHODS

Using the Tg2576 model and WT mice (∼1month-old), we compared MCs electrophysiologically, assessed c-Fos activity marker, Aβ expression and mice performance in a hippocampal-dependent memory task.

RESULTS

Tg2576 MCs exhibit increased spontaneous excitatory events and decreased inhibitory currents, increasing the charge transfer excitation/inhibition ratio. Tg2576 MC intrinsic excitability was enhanced, and showed higher c-Fos, intracellular Aβ expression, and axon sprouting. Granule cells only showed changes in synaptic properties, without intrinsic changes. The effects occurred before a memory task is affected.

DISCUSSION

Early electrophysiological and morphological alterations in Tg2576 MCs are consistent with enhanced excitability, suggesting an early role in DG hyperexcitability and AD pathophysiology.

HIGHLIGHTS

∘ MCs from 1 month-old Tg2576 mice had increased spontaneous excitatory synaptic input. ∘ Tg2576 MCs had reduced spontaneous inhibitory synaptic input. ∘ Several intrinsic properties were abnormal in Tg2576 MCs. ∘ Tg2576 GCs had enhanced synaptic excitation but no changes in intrinsic properties. ∘ Tg2576 MCs exhibited high c-Fos expression, soluble Aβ and axonal sprouting.

Adaptive spike threshold dynamics associated with sparse spiking of hilar mossy cells are captured by a simple model

Hilar mossy cells (hMCs) in the dentate gyrus (DG) receive inputs from DG granule cells (GCs), CA3 pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons, and provide feedback input to GCs. Behavioural and in vivo recording experiments implicate hMCs in pattern separation, navigation and spatial learning. Our experiments link hMC intrinsic excitability to their synaptically evoked in vivo spiking outputs. We performed electrophysiological recordings from DG neurons and found that hMCs displayed an adaptative spike threshold that increased both in proportion to the intensity of injected currents, and in response to spiking itself, returning to baseline over a long time scale, thereby instantaneously limiting their firing rate responses. The hMC activity is additionally limited by a prominent medium after-hyperpolarizing potential (AHP) generated by small conductance K+ channels. We hypothesize that these intrinsic hMC properties are responsible for their low in vivo firing rates. Our findings extend previous studies that compare hMCs, CA3 pyramidal cells and hilar inhibitory cells and provide novel quantitative data that contrast the intrinsic properties of these cell types. We developed a phenomenological exponential integrate-and-fire model that closely reproduces the hMC adaptive threshold nonlinearities with respect to their threshold dependence on input current intensity, evoked spike latency and long-lasting spike-induced increase in spike threshold. Our robust and computationally efficient model is amenable to incorporation into large network models of the DG that will deepen our understanding of the neural bases of pattern separation, spatial navigation and learning. KEY POINTS: Previous studies have shown that hilar mossy cells (hMCs) are implicated in pattern separation and the formation of spatial memory, but how their intrinsic properties relate to their in vivo spiking patterns is still unknown. Here we show that the hMCs display electrophysiological properties that distinguish them from the other hilar cell types including a highly adaptive spike threshold that decays slowly. The spike-dependent increase in threshold combined with an after-hyperpolarizing potential mediated by a slow K+ conductance is hypothesized to be responsible for the low-firing rate of the hMC observed in vivo. The hMC's features are well captured by a modified stochastic exponential integrate-and-fire model that has the unique feature of a threshold intrinsically dependant on both the stimulus intensity and the spiking history. This computational model will allow future work to study how the hMCs can contribute to spatial memory formation and navigation.

Activin A regulates the excitability of hippocampal mossy cells

Mossy cells (MCs) in the hilus of the dentate gyrus (DG) receive increasing attention as a major player controlling information processing in the DG network. Furthermore, disturbed MC activity has been implicated in widespread neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy and major depression. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from MCs in acute hippocampal slices from wild type and transgenic mice, we demonstrate that activin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family, has a strong neuromodulatory effect on MC activity. Disruption of activin receptor signaling reduced MC firing, dampened their excitatory input and augmented their inhibitory input. By contrast, acute application of recombinant activin A strongly increased MC activity and promoted excitatory synaptic drive. Notably, similar changes of MC activity have been observed in a rodent model of depression and after antidepressant drug therapy, respectively. Given that a rise in activin signaling particularly in the DG has been proposed as a mechanism of antidepressant action, our data suggest that the effect of activin on MC excitability might make a considerable contribution in this regard.

New Insights and Methods for Recording and Imaging Spontaneous Spreading Depolarizations and Seizure-Like Events in Mouse Hippocampal Slices

Spreading depolarization (SD) is a sudden, large, and synchronous depolarization of principal cells which also involves interneurons and astrocytes. It is followed by depression of neuronal activity, and it slowly propagates across brain regions like cortex or hippocampus. SD is considered to be mechanistically relevant to migraine, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there are many questions about its basic neurophysiology and spread. Research into SD in hippocampus using slices is often used to gain insight and SD is usually triggered by a focal stimulus with or without an altered extracellular buffer. Here, we optimize an in vitro experimental model allowing us to record SD without focal stimulation, which we call spontaneous. This method uses only an altered extracellular buffer containing 0 mM Mg2+ and 5 mM K+ and makes it possible for simultaneous patch and extracellular recording in a submerged chamber plus intrinsic optical imaging in slices of either sex. We also add methods for quantification and show the quantified optical signal is much more complex than imaging alone would suggest. In brief, acute hippocampal slices were prepared with a chamber holding a submerged slice but with flow of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) above and below, which we call interface-like. As soon as slices were placed in the chamber, aCSF with 0 Mg2+/5 K+ was used. Most mouse slices developed SD and did so in the first hour of 0 Mg2+/5 K+ aCSF exposure. In addition, prolonged bursts we call seizure-like events (SLEs) occurred, and the interactions between SD and SLEs suggest potentially important relationships. Differences between rats and mice in different chambers are described. Regarding optical imaging, SD originated in CA3 and the pattern of spread to CA1 and the dentate gyrus was similar in some ways to prior studies but also showed interesting differences. In summary, the methods are easy to use, provide new opportunities to study SD, new insights, and are inexpensive. They support previous suggestions that SD is diverse, and also suggest that participation by the dentate gyrus merits greater attention.

Supramammillary Nucleus Afferents to the Dentate Gyrus Co-release Glutamate and GABA and Potentiate Granule Cell Output

The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) of the hypothalamus projects to the dentate gyrus (DG) and the CA2 region of the hippocampus. Although the SuM-to-hippocampus circuits have been implicated in spatial and emotional memory formation, little is known about precise neural connections between the SuM and hippocampus. Here, we report that axons of SuM neurons make monosynaptic connections to granule cells (GCs) and GABAergic interneurons, but not to hilar mossy cells, in the DG and co-release glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at these synapses. Although inputs from the SuM can excite some interneurons, the inputs alone fail to generate spikes in GCs. However, despite the insufficient excitatory drive and GABAergic co-transmission, SuM inputs have net excitatory effects on GCs and can potentiate GC firing when temporally associated with perforant path inputs. Our results indicate that the SuM influences DG information processing by modulating GC outputs.

Novelty and Novel Objects Increase c-Fos Immunoreactivity in Mossy Cells in the Mouse Dentate Gyrus

The dentate gyrus (DG) and its primary cell type, the granule cell (GC), are thought to be critical to many cognitive functions. A major neuronal subtype of the DG is the hilar mossy cell (MC). MCs have been considered to play an important role in cognition, but in vivo studies to understand the activity of MCs during cognitive tasks are challenging because the experiments usually involve trauma to the overlying hippocampus or DG, which kills hilar neurons. In addition, restraint typically occurs, and MC activity is reduced by brief restraint stress. Social isolation often occurs and is potentially confounding. Therefore, we used c-fos protein expression to understand when MCs are active in vivo in socially housed adult C57BL/6 mice in their home cage. We focused on c-fos protein expression after animals explored novel objects, based on previous work which showed that MCs express c-fos protein readily in response to a novel housing location. Also, MCs are required for the training component of the novel object location task and novelty-encoding during a food-related task. GluR2/3 was used as a marker of MCs. The results showed that MC c-fos protein is greatly increased after exposure to novel objects, especially in ventral DG. We also found that novel objects produced higher c-fos levels than familiar objects. Interestingly, a small subset of neurons that did not express GluR2/3 also increased c-fos protein after novel object exposure. In contrast, GCs appeared relatively insensitive. The results support a growing appreciation of the role of the DG in novelty detection and novel object recognition, where hilar neurons and especially MCs are very sensitive.

Development of Local Circuit Connections to Hilar Mossy Cells in the Mouse Dentate Gyrus

Hilar mossy cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) shape the firing and function of the hippocampal circuit. However, the neural circuitry providing afferent input to mossy cells is incompletely understood, and little is known about the development of these inputs. Thus, we used whole-cell recording and laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) to characterize the developmental trajectory of local excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to mossy cells in the mouse hippocampus. Hilar mossy cells were targeted by visualizing non-red fluorescent cells in the dentate hilus of GAD2-Cre; Ai9 mice that expressed tdTomato in GAD+ neurons, and were confirmed by post hoc morphological characterization. Our results show that at postnatal day (P)6–P7, mossy cells received more excitatory input from neurons in the proximal CA3 versus those in the DG. In contrast, at P13–P14 and P21–P28, the largest source of excitatory input originated in DG cells, while the strength of CA3 and hilar inputs declined. A developmental trend was also evident for inhibitory inputs. Overall inhibitory input at P6–P7 was weak, while inhibitory inputs from the DG cell layer and the hilus predominated at P13–P14 and P21–P28. The strength of local DG excitation and inhibition to mossy cells peaked at P13–P14 and decreased slightly in older P21–P28 mice. Together, these data provide new detailed information on the development of local synaptic connectivity of mossy cells, and suggests mechanisms through which developmental changes in local circuit inputs to hilar mossy cells shape their physiology and vulnerability to injury during postnatal periods.

Advances in understanding hilar mossy cells of the dentate gyrus

Hilar mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus (DG) distinguish the DG from other hippocampal subfields (CA1-3) because there are two glutamatergic cell types in the DG rather than one. Thus, in the DG, the main cell types include glutamatergic granule cells (GCs) and MCs, whereas in CA1-3, the only glutamatergic cell type is the pyramidal cell. In contrast to GCs, MCs are different in morphology, intrinsic electrophysiological properties, afferent input and axonal projections, so their function is likely to be very different from GCs. Why are MCs necessary to the DG? In past studies, the answer has been unclear because MCs not only excite GCs directly but also inhibit them disynaptically, by exciting GABAergic neurons that project to GCs. Results of new studies are discussed that shed light on this issue. These studies take advantage of recently available transgenic mice with Cre recombinase expression mostly in MCs and techniques such as optogenetics and DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs). The recent studies also address in vivo behavioral functions of MCs. Some of the results support past hypotheses whereas others suggest new conceptualizations of how the MCs contribute to DG circuitry and function. While substantial progess has been made, additional research is still needed to clarify the characteristics and functions of these unique cells.

Excitatory Synaptic Input to Hilar Mossy Cells under Basal and Hyperexcitable Conditions

Hilar mossy cells (HMCs) in the hippocampus receive glutamatergic input from dentate granule cells (DGCs) via mossy fibers (MFs) and back-projections from CA3 pyramidal neuron collateral axons. Many fundamental features of these excitatory synapses have not been characterized in detail despite their potential relevance to hippocampal cognitive processing and epilepsy-induced adaptations in circuit excitability. In this study, we compared pre- and postsynaptic parameters between MF and CA3 inputs to HMCs in young and adult mice of either sex and determined the relative contributions of the respective excitatory inputs during in vitro and in vivo models of hippocampal hyperexcitability. The two types of excitatory synapses both exhibited a modest degree of short-term plasticity, with MF inputs to HMCs exhibiting lower paired-pulse (PP) and frequency facilitation than was described previously for MF–CA3 pyramidal cell synapses. MF–HMC synapses exhibited unitary excitatory synaptic currents (EPSCs) of larger amplitude, contained postsynaptic kainate receptors, and had a lower NMDA/AMPA receptor ratio compared to CA3–HMC synapses. Pharmacological induction of hippocampal hyperexcitability in vitro transformed the abundant but relatively weak CA3–HMC connections to very large amplitude spontaneous bursts of compound EPSCs (cEPSCs) in young mice (∼P20) and, to a lesser degree, in adult mice (∼P70). CA3–HMC cEPSCs were also observed in slices prepared from mice with spontaneous seizures several weeks after intrahippocampal kainate injection. Strong excitation of HMCs during synchronous CA3 activity represents an avenue of significant excitatory network generation back to DGCs and might be important in generating epileptic networks.

Local and Long-Range Circuit Connections to Hilar Mossy Cells in the Dentate Gyrus

Hilar mossy cells are the prominent glutamatergic cell type in the dentate hilus of the dentate gyrus (DG); they have been proposed to have critical roles in the DG network. To better understand how mossy cells contribute to DG function, we have applied new viral genetic and functional circuit mapping approaches to quantitatively map and compare local and long-range circuit connections of mossy cells and dentate granule cells in the mouse. The great majority of inputs to mossy cells consist of two parallel inputs from within the DG: an excitatory input pathway from dentate granule cells and an inhibitory input pathway from local DG inhibitory neurons. Mossy cells also receive a moderate degree of excitatory and inhibitory CA3 input from proximal CA3 subfields. Long range inputs to mossy cells are numerically sparse, and they are only identified readily from the medial septum and the septofimbrial nucleus. In comparison, dentate granule cells receive most of their inputs from the entorhinal cortex. The granule cells receive significant synaptic inputs from the hilus and the medial septum, and they also receive direct inputs from both distal and proximal CA3 subfields, which has been underdescribed in the existing literature. Our slice-based physiological mapping studies further supported the identified circuit connections of mossy cells and granule cells. Together, our data suggest that hilar mossy cells are major local circuit integrators and they exert modulation of the activity of dentate granule cells as well as the CA3 region through "back-projection" pathways.

Acute restraint stress decreases c-fos immunoreactivity in hilar mossy cells of the adult dentate gyrus

Although a great deal of information is available about the circuitry of the mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus (DG) hilus, their activity in vivo is not clear. The immediate early gene c-fos can be used to gain insight into the activity of MCs in vivo, because c-fos protein expression reflects increased neuronal activity. In prior work, it was identified that control rats that were perfusion-fixed after removal from their home cage exhibited c-fos immunoreactivity (ir) in the DG in a spatially stereotyped pattern: ventral MCs and dorsal granule cells (GCs) expressed c-fos protein (Duffy et al., Hippocampus 23:649-655, 2013). In this study, we hypothesized that restraint stress would alter c-fos-ir, because MCs express glucocorticoid type 2 receptors and the DG is considered to be involved in behaviors related to stress or anxiety. We show that acute restraint using a transparent nose cone for just 10 min led to reduced c-fos-ir in ventral MCs compared to control rats. In these comparisons, c-fos-ir was evaluated 30 min after the 10 min-long period of restraint, and if evaluation was later than 30 min c-fos-ir was no longer suppressed. Granule cells (GCs) also showed suppressed c-fos-ir after acute restraint, but it was different than MCs, because the suppression persisted for over 30 min after the restraint. We conclude that c-fos protein expression is rapidly and transiently reduced in ventral hilar MCs after a brief period of restraint, and suppressed longer in dorsal GCs.

The enigmatic mossy cell of the dentate gyrus

Mossy cells comprise a large fraction of the cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, suggesting that their function in this region is important. They are vulnerable to ischaemia, traumatic brain injury and seizures, and their loss could contribute to dentate gyrus dysfunction in such conditions. Mossy cell function has been unclear because these cells innervate both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons within the dentate gyrus, contributing to a complex circuitry. It has also been difficult to directly and selectively manipulate mossy cells to study their function. In light of the new data generated using methods to preferentially eliminate or activate mossy cells in mice, it is timely to ask whether mossy cells have become any less enigmatic than they were in the past.

Expression of c-fos in hilar mossy cells of the dentate gyrus in vivo

Granule cells (GCs) of the dentate gyrus (DG) are considered to be quiescent--they rarely fire action potentials. In contrast, the other glutamatergic cell type in the DG, hilar mossy cells (MCs) often have a high level of spontaneous activity based on recordings in hippocampal slices. MCs project to GCs, so activity in MCs could play an important role in activating GCs. Therefore, we investigated whether MCs were active under basal conditions in vivo, using the immediate early gene c-fos as a tool. We hypothesized that MCs would exhibit c-fos expression even if rats were examined randomly, under normal housing conditions. Therefore, adult male rats were perfused shortly after removal from their home cage and transfer to the laboratory. Remarkably, most c-fos immunoreactivity (ir) was in the hilus, especially temporal hippocampus. C-fos-ir hilar cells co-expressed GluR2/3, suggesting that they were MCs. C-fos-ir MCs were robust even when the animal was habituated to the investigator and laboratory where they were euthanized. However, c-fos-ir in dorsal MCs was reduced under these circumstances, suggesting that ventral and dorsal MCs are functionally distinct. Interestingly, there was an inverse relationship between MC and GC layer c-fos expression, with little c-fos expression in the GC layer in ventral sections where MC expression was strong, and the opposite in dorsal hippocampus. The results support the hypothesis that a subset of hilar MCs are spontaneously active in vivo and provide other DG neurons with tonic depolarizing input.

Hilar mossy cells of the dentate gyrus: a historical perspective

The circuitry of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus is unique compared to other hippocampal subfields because there are two glutamatergic principal cells instead of one: granule cells, which are the vast majority of the cells in the DG, and the so-called “mossy cells.” The distinctive appearance of mossy cells, the extensive divergence of their axons, and their vulnerability to excitotoxicity relative to granule cells has led to a great deal of interest in mossy cells. Nevertheless, there is no consensus about the normal functions of mossy cells and the implications of their vulnerability. There even seems to be some ambiguity about exactly what mossy cells are. Here we review initial studies of mossy cells, characteristics that define them, and suggest a practical definition to allow investigators to distinguish mossy cells from other hilar neurons even if all morphological and physiological information is unavailable due to technical limitations of their experiments. In addition, hypotheses are discussed about the role of mossy cells in the DG network, reasons for their vulnerability and their implications for disease.

New insights into the role of hilar ectopic granule cells in the dentate gyrus based on quantitative anatomic analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction

The dentate gyrus is one of two main areas of the mammalian brain where neurons are born throughout adulthood, a phenomenon called postnatal neurogenesis. Most of the neurons that are generated are granule cells (GCs), the major principal cell type in the dentate gyrus. Some adult-born granule cells develop in ectopic locations, such as the dentate hilus. The generation of hilar ectopic granule cells (HEGCs) is greatly increased in several animal models of epilepsy and has also been demonstrated in surgical specimens from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Herein we review the results of our quantitative neuroanatomic analysis of HEGCs that were filled with Neurobiotin following electrophysiologic characterization in hippocampal slices. The data suggest that two types of HEGCs exist, based on a proximal or distal location of the cell body relative to the granule cell layer, and based on the location of most of the dendrites, in the molecular layer or hilus. Three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the dendrites of distal HEGCs can extend along the transverse and longitudinal axis of the hippocampus. Analysis of axons demonstrated that HEGCs have projections that contribute to the normal mossy fiber innervation of CA3 as well as the abnormal sprouted fibers in the inner molecular layer of epileptic rodents (mossy fiber sprouting). These data support the idea that HEGCs could function as a "hub" cell in the dentate gyrus and play a critical role in network excitability.

mGluR-mediated and endocannabinoid-dependent long-term depression in the hilar region of the rat dentate gyrus

We report that bath application of the group I mGluR agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) causes acute inhibition of evoked IPSCs recorded from hilar mossy cells, and that significant long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission remains following washout of DHPG. Subsequent experiments using minimal stimulation techniques revealed that expression of both acute and long-term effects of DHPG are restricted to a subset of GABAergic afferents that are also sensitive to depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI). Experiments with a selective CB1 antagonist and with transgenic animals lacking CB1 receptors indicate that all effects of DHPG, like DSI, depend on activation of CB1 receptors. Further work with selective mGluR antagonists suggests a direct involvement of mGluR1 receptors. Interestingly, we also report that induction of LTD under our experimental conditions does not require prior direct somatic depolarization via the patch pipette and does not appear to depend critically on the level of activity in incoming GABAergic afferents. Collectively, these results represent the first characterization of mGluR-mediated and endocannabinoid-dependent LTD in the hilar region of the dentate gyrus. The dentate gyrus is thus one of relatively few areas where this mechanism has clearly been demonstrated to induce long-term modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Representing information in cell assemblies: persistent activity mediated by semilunar granule cells

Using rat hippocampal slices, we found that perforant path stimulation evokes long-lasting barrages of synaptic inputs in subpopulations of dentate gyrus mossy cells and hilar interneurons. Synaptic barrages could trigger persistent firing in hilar neurons. We found that synaptic barrages originate from semilunar granule cells (SGCs), glutamatergic neurons in the inner molecular layer that generate long-duration plateau potentials in response to excitatory synaptic input. MK801, nimodipine, and nickel all abolished stimulus-evoked plateau potentials in SGCs, and synaptic barrages in downstream hilar neurons, without blocking fast synaptic transmission. Hilar up-states triggered functional inhibition in granule cells that persisted for >10 s. Hilar cell assemblies, assayed by simultaneous triple and paired intracellular recordings, were linked by persistent firing in SGCs. Population responses recorded in hilar neurons accurately encoded stimulus identity. Stimulus-evoked up-states in dentate gyrus represent a potential cellular basis for hippocampal working memory.

Nonrandom local circuits in the dentate gyrus

The dentate hilus has been extensively studied in relation to its potential role in memory and in temporal lobe epilepsy. Little is known, however, about the synapses formed between the two major cell types in this region, glutamatergic mossy cells and hilar interneurons, or the organization of local circuits involving these cells. Using triple and quadruple simultaneous intracellular recordings in rat hippocampal slices, we find that mossy cells evoke EPSPs with high failure rates onto hilar neurons. Mossy cells show profound synapse specificity; 87.5% of their intralamellar connections are onto hilar interneurons. Hilar interneurons also show synapse specificity and preferentially inhibit mossy cells; 81% of inhibitory hilar synapses are onto mossy cells. Hilar IPSPs have low failure rates, are blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist gabazine, and exhibit short-term depression when tested at 17 Hz. Surprisingly, more than half (57%) of the mossy cell synapses we found onto interneurons were part of reciprocal excitatory/inhibitory local circuit motifs. Neither the high degree of target cell specificity, nor the significant enrichment of structured polysynaptic local circuit motifs, could be explained by nonrandom sampling or somatic proximity. Intralamellar hilar synapses appear to function primarily by integrating synchronous inputs and presynaptic burst discharges, allowing hilar cells to respond over a large dynamic range of input strengths. The reciprocal mossy cell/interneuron local circuit motifs we find enriched in the hilus may generate sparse neural representations involved in hippocampal memory operations.

Hilar mossy cells: functional identification and activity in vivo

Network oscillations are proposed to provide the framework for the ongoing neural computations of the brain. Thus, an important aspect of understanding the functional roles of various cell classes in the brain is to understand the relationship of cellular activity to the ongoing oscillations. While many studies have characterized the firing properties of cells in the hippocampal network including granule cells, pyramidal cells and interneurons, information about the activity of dentate mossy cells in the intact brain is scant. Here we review the currently available information and describe biophysical properties and network-related firing patterns of mossy cells in vivo. These new observations will assist in the extracellular identification of this unique cell type and help elucidate their functional role in behaving animals.

Role of mossy fiber sprouting and mossy cell loss in hyperexcitability: a network model of the dentate gyrus incorporating cell types and axonal topography

Mossy cell loss and mossy fiber sprouting are two characteristic consequences of repeated seizures and head trauma. However, their precise contributions to the hyperexcitable state are not well understood. Because it is difficult, and frequently impossible, to independently examine using experimental techniques whether it is the loss of mossy cells or the sprouting of mossy fibers that leads to dentate hyperexcitability, we built a biophysically realistic and anatomically representative computational model of the dentate gyrus to examine this question. The 527-cell model, containing granule, mossy, basket, and hilar cells with axonal projections to the perforant-path termination zone, showed that even weak mossy fiber sprouting (10-15% of the strong sprouting observed in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy) resulted in the spread of seizure-like activity to the adjacent model hippocampal laminae after focal stimulation of the perforant path. The simulations also indicated that the spatially restricted, lamellar distribution of the sprouted mossy fiber contacts reported in in vivo studies was an important factor in sustaining seizure-like activity in the network. In contrast to the robust hyperexcitability-inducing effects of mossy fiber sprouting, removal of mossy cells resulted in decreased granule cell responses to perforant-path activation in agreement with recent experimental data. These results indicate the crucial role of mossy fiber sprouting even in situations where there is only relatively weak mossy fiber sprouting as is the case after moderate concussive experimental head injury.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) is a selective marker of rat granule cells and of human mossy cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide immunocytochemistry was used to reveal cellular localization in the dentate gyrus and in Ammon's horn of the rat and human hippocampal formations. In the rat dentate gyrus, only granule cells were labeled, whereas in humans, only mossy cells of the hilar region expressed CART peptide immunoreactivity. In the rat, CART-positive granule cells were located at the molecular layer border of the granule cell layer and had no features that would distinguish them from other granule cells. The mossy fiber bundle was labeled in the hilus as well as along the entire CA3 area of Ammon's horn. In the human, CART-immunoreactive mossy cells displayed the characteristic thorny excrescences both on their somata and their main dendrites. Axon collaterals of mossy cells could be seen in the hilus and the main axons formed a dense band in the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, suggesting that mossy cells are the principal source of the associational pathway. Granule cells of the dentate gyrus and pyramidal neurons of the human hippocampal formation were devoid of CART peptide immunoreactivity. A few labeled non-pyramidal cells and a large group of strongly immunostained axons of unknown origin were present in all layers of CA1-3. Granule cells are the main excitatory cell population of the dentate gyrus while mossy cells are in a key position in controlling activity of granule cells. The specific location of CART peptide in the dentate granule cells of rodents and in the mossy cells of the human hippocampus may indicate involvement of neuronal circuitry of the dentate gyrus in the memory-related effects of cocaine and amphetamine. Independently of its functional role, CART peptide can be used as a specific marker of human mossy cells and of the dentate associational pathway. The sensitivity of CART peptide to postmortem autolysis may restrict the use of this marker in surgically removed hippocampi or in human brains removed and fixed shortly after death.

Calcium dynamics, buffering, and buffer saturation in the boutons of dentate granule-cell axons in the hilus

The axons of dentate gyrus granule cells form synapses in the hilus. Ca(2+) signaling was investigated in the boutons of these axons using confocal fluorescence imaging. Boutons were loaded with various concentrations of the Ca(2+) indicator Oregon Green BAPTA-1 by patch-clamping the cell bodies and allowing the dye to diffuse into the axon. Resting free [Ca(2+)] started at 74 nm, rose to approximately 1 microm immediately after an action potential, and then decayed to rest with a time constant of 43 msec (all extrapolated to a dye concentration of zero). Action potential-induced [Ca(2+)] rises were smaller in larger boutons, consistent with a size-independent Ca(2+) channel density of 45/microm(2). Action potential-induced [Ca(2+)] changes varied with dye concentration in a manner consistent with kappa(E) approximately 20 for the ratio of endogenous buffer-bound Ca(2+) to free Ca(2+). During trains of action potentials, [Ca(2+)] increments summed supralinearly by more than that expected from dye saturation. The amount of endogenous Ca(2+) buffering declined as [Ca(2+)] rose, and this saturation indicated a buffer with a dissociation constant of approximately 500 nm and a concentration of approximately 130 microm. This is similar to the dissociation constant of calbindin-D28K, a Ca(2+)-binding protein that is abundant in dentate granule cells. Thus, calbindin-D28K is a good candidate for the Ca(2+) buffer revealed by these experiments. The saturation of endogenous buffer can generate short-term facilitation by amplifying [Ca(2+)] changes during repetitive activity. Buffer saturation may also be relevant to the presynaptic induction of long-term potentiation at synapses formed by dentate granule cells.

Calcium dynamics, buffering, and buffer saturation in the boutons of dentate granule-cell axons in the hilus

The axons of dentate gyrus granule cells form synapses in the hilus. Ca(2+) signaling was investigated in the boutons of these axons using confocal fluorescence imaging. Boutons were loaded with various concentrations of the Ca(2+) indicator Oregon Green BAPTA-1 by patch-clamping the cell bodies and allowing the dye to diffuse into the axon. Resting free [Ca(2+)] started at 74 nm, rose to approximately 1 microm immediately after an action potential, and then decayed to rest with a time constant of 43 msec (all extrapolated to a dye concentration of zero). Action potential-induced [Ca(2+)] rises were smaller in larger boutons, consistent with a size-independent Ca(2+) channel density of 45/microm(2). Action potential-induced [Ca(2+)] changes varied with dye concentration in a manner consistent with kappa(E) approximately 20 for the ratio of endogenous buffer-bound Ca(2+) to free Ca(2+). During trains of action potentials, [Ca(2+)] increments summed supralinearly by more than that expected from dye saturation. The amount of endogenous Ca(2+) buffering declined as [Ca(2+)] rose, and this saturation indicated a buffer with a dissociation constant of approximately 500 nm and a concentration of approximately 130 microm. This is similar to the dissociation constant of calbindin-D28K, a Ca(2+)-binding protein that is abundant in dentate granule cells. Thus, calbindin-D28K is a good candidate for the Ca(2+) buffer revealed by these experiments. The saturation of endogenous buffer can generate short-term facilitation by amplifying [Ca(2+)] changes during repetitive activity. Buffer saturation may also be relevant to the presynaptic induction of long-term potentiation at synapses formed by dentate granule cells.

Intracellular recording and labeling of mossy cells and proximal CA3 pyramidal cells in macaque monkeys

Little is known about the morphological characteristics and intracellular electrophysiological properties of neurons in the primate hippocampus and dentate gyrus. We have therefore begun a program of studies using intracellular recording and biocytin labeling in hippocampal slices from macaque monkeys. In the current study, we investigated mossy cells and proximal CA3 pyramidal cells. As in rats, macaque mossy cells display fundamentally different traits than proximal CA3 pyramidal cells. Interestingly, macaque mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons display some morphological differences from those in rats. Macaque monkey mossy cells extend more dendrites into the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, have more elaborate thorny excrescences on their proximal dendrites, and project more axon collaterals into the CA3 region. In macaques, three types of proximal CA3 pyramidal cells are found: classical pyramidal cells, neurons with their dendrites confined to the CA3 pyramidal cell layer, and a previously undescribed cell type, the "dentate" CA3 pyramidal cell, whose apical dendrites extend into and ramify within the hilus, granule cell layer, and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. The basic electrophysiological properties of mossy cells and proximal CA3 cells are similar to those reported for the rodent. Mossy cells have a higher frequency of large amplitude spontaneous depolarizing postsynaptic potentials, and proximal CA3 pyramidal cells are more likely to discharge bursts of action potentials. Although mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal cells in macaque monkeys display many morphological and electrophysiological features described in rodents, these findings highlight significant species differences, with more heterogeneity and the potential for richer interconnections in the primate hippocampus.

Survival of dentate hilar mossy cells after pilocarpine-induced seizures and their synchronized burst discharges with area CA3 pyramidal cells

The clinical and basic literature suggest that hilar cells of the dentate gyrus are damaged after seizures, particularly prolonged and repetitive seizures. Of the cell types within the hilus, it appears that the mossy cell is one of the most vulnerable. Nevertheless, hilar neurons which resemble mossy cells appear in some published reports of animal models of epilepsy, and in some cases of human temporal lobe epilepsy. Therefore, mossy cells may not always be killed after severe, repeated seizures. However, mossy cell survival in these studies was not completely clear because the methods did allow discrimination between mossy cells and other hilar cell types. Furthermore, whether surviving mossy cells might have altered physiology after seizures was not examined. Therefore, intracellular recording and intracellular dye injection were used to characterize hilar cells in hippocampal slices from pilocarpine-treated rats that had status epilepticus and recurrent seizures ('epileptic' rats). For comparison, mossy cells were also recorded from age-matched, saline-injected controls, and pilocarpine-treated rats that failed to develop status epilepticus. Numerous hilar cells with the morphology, axon projection, and membrane properties of mossy cells were recorded in all three experimental groups. Thus, mossy cells can survive severe seizures, and those that survive retain many of their normal characteristics. However, mossy cells from epileptic tissue were distinct from mossy cells of control rats in that they generated spontaneous and evoked epileptiform burst discharges. Area CA3 pyramidal cells also exhibited spontaneous and evoked bursts. Simultaneous intracellular recordings from mossy cells and pyramidal cells demonstrated that their burst discharges were synchronized, with pyramidal cell discharges typically beginning first. From these data we suggest that hilar mossy cells can survive status epilepticus and chronic seizures. The fact that mossy cells have epileptiform bursts, and that they are synchronized with area CA3, suggest a previously unappreciated substrate for hyperexcitability in this animal model.

Unusual target selectivity of perisomatic inhibitory cells in the hilar region of the rat hippocampus

Perisomatic inhibitory innervation of all neuron types profoundly affects their firing characteristics and vulnerability. In this study we examined the postsynaptic targets of perisomatic inhibitory cells in the hilar region of the dentate gyrus where the proportion of potential target cells (excitatory mossy cells and inhibitory interneurons) is approximately equal. Both cholecystokinin (CCK)- and parvalbumin-immunoreactive basket cells formed multiple contacts on the somata and proximal dendrites of mossy cells. Unexpectedly, however, perisomatic inhibitory terminals arriving from these cell types largely ignored hilar GABAergic cell populations. Eighty-ninety percent of various GABAergic neurons including other CCK-containing basket cells received no input from CCK-positive terminals. Parvalbumin-containing cells sometimes innervated each other but avoided 75% of other GABAergic cells. Overall, a single mossy cell received 40 times more CCK-immunoreactive terminals and 15 times more parvalbumin-positive terminals onto its soma than the cell body of an average hilar GABAergic cell. In contrast to the pronounced target selectivity in the hilar region, CCK- and parvalbumin-positive neurons innervated each other via collaterals in stratum granulosum and moleculare. Our observations indicate that the inhibitory control in the hilar region is qualitatively different from other cortical areas at both the network level and the level of single neurons. The paucity of perisomatic innervation of hilar interneurons should have profound consequences on their action potential generation and on their ensemble behavior. These findings may help explain the unique physiological patterns observed in the hilus and the selective vulnerability of the hilar cell population in various pathophysiological conditions.

Unusual target selectivity of perisomatic inhibitory cells in the hilar region of the rat hippocampus

Perisomatic inhibitory innervation of all neuron types profoundly affects their firing characteristics and vulnerability. In this study we examined the postsynaptic targets of perisomatic inhibitory cells in the hilar region of the dentate gyrus where the proportion of potential target cells (excitatory mossy cells and inhibitory interneurons) is approximately equal. Both cholecystokinin (CCK)- and parvalbumin-immunoreactive basket cells formed multiple contacts on the somata and proximal dendrites of mossy cells. Unexpectedly, however, perisomatic inhibitory terminals arriving from these cell types largely ignored hilar GABAergic cell populations. Eighty-ninety percent of various GABAergic neurons including other CCK-containing basket cells received no input from CCK-positive terminals. Parvalbumin-containing cells sometimes innervated each other but avoided 75% of other GABAergic cells. Overall, a single mossy cell received 40 times more CCK-immunoreactive terminals and 15 times more parvalbumin-positive terminals onto its soma than the cell body of an average hilar GABAergic cell. In contrast to the pronounced target selectivity in the hilar region, CCK- and parvalbumin-positive neurons innervated each other via collaterals in stratum granulosum and moleculare. Our observations indicate that the inhibitory control in the hilar region is qualitatively different from other cortical areas at both the network level and the level of single neurons. The paucity of perisomatic innervation of hilar interneurons should have profound consequences on their action potential generation and on their ensemble behavior. These findings may help explain the unique physiological patterns observed in the hilus and the selective vulnerability of the hilar cell population in various pathophysiological conditions.

Epileptogenesis in the parahippocampal region. Parallels with the dentate gyrus

Limbic seizures have often been attributed to pathology in the hippocampus, such as the well described condition termed Ammon's Horn sclerosis, in which many of the hippocampal principal cells have degenerated. However, several studies in both the clinical and basic literature indicate that the parahippocampal region may also play an important role. This region sustains a characteristic pattern of damage in most animal models of epilepsy that is similar to that identified in humans with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Perhaps the most striking aspect of parahippocampal pathology is the marked loss of neurons in layer III of the entorhinal cortex. The similarity of cell loss in layer III and cell loss in the hilus of the dentate gyrus is compared, as is the characteristic resistance of layer II neurons and dentate granule cells. Cellular electrophysiological results are used as a basis for the hypothesis that synaptic inhibition plays a role in the relative vulnerability of these neurons. Studies of neurogenesis in both areas is also discussed. It is proposed that this may be an additional factor that influences vulnerability in these areas.

Nonlinear frequency-dependent synchronization in the developing hippocampus

Synchronous population activity is present both in normal and pathological conditions such as epilepsy. In the immature hippocampus, synchronous bursting is an electrophysiological conspicuous event. These bursts, known as giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs), are generated by the synchronized activation of interneurons and pyramidal cells via GABAA, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and AMPA receptors. Nevertheless the mechanism leading to this synchronization is still controversial. We have investigated the conditions under which synchronization arises in developing hippocampal networks. By means of simultaneous intracellular recordings, we show that GDPs result from local cooperation of active cells within an integration period prior to their onset. During this time interval, an increase in the number of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) takes place building up full synchronization between cells. These EPSPs are correlated with individual action potentials simultaneously occurring in neighboring cells. We have used EPSP frequency as an indicator of the neuronal activity underlying GDP generation. By comparing EPSP frequency with the occurrence of synchronized GDPs between CA3 and the fascia dentata (FD), we found that GDPs are fired in an all-or-none manner, which is characterized by a specific threshold of EPSP frequency from which synchronous GDPs emerge. In FD, the EPSP frequency-threshold for GDP onset is 17 Hz. GDPs are triggered similarly in CA3 by appropriate periodic stimulation of mossy fibers. The frequency threshold for CA3 GDP onset is 12 Hz. These findings clarify the local mechanism of synchronization underlying bursting in the developing hippocampus, indicating that GDPs are fired when background levels of EPSPs or action potentials have built up full synchronization by firing at specific frequencies (>12 Hz). Our results also demonstrate that spontaneous EPSPs and action potentials are important for the initiation of synchronous bursts in the developing hippocampus.

Differences in Ca2+ channels governing generation of miniature and evoked excitatory synaptic currents in spinal laminae I and II

Many neurons of spinal laminae I and II, a region concerned with pain and other somatosensory mechanisms, display frequent miniature "spontaneous" EPSCs (mEPSCs). In a number of instances, mEPSCs occur often enough to influence neuronal excitability. To compare generation of mEPSCs to EPSCs evoked by dorsal root stimulation (DR-EPSCs), various agents affecting neuronal activity and Ca2+ channels were applied to in vitro slice preparations of rodent spinal cord during tight-seal, whole-cell, voltage-clamp recordings from laminae I and II neurons. The AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonist CNQX (10-20 microM) regularly abolished DR-EPSCs. In many neurons CNQX also eliminated mEPSCs; however, in a number of cases a proportion of the mEPSCs were resistant to CNQX suggesting that in these instances different mediators or receptors were also involved. Cd2+ (10-50 microM) blocked evoked EPSCs without suppressing mEPSC occurrence. In contrast, Ni2+ (</=100 microM), a low-threshold Ca2+ channel antagonist, markedly decreased mEPSC frequency while leaving evoked monosynaptic EPSCs little changed. Selective organic antagonists of high-threshold (HVA) Ca2+ channels, nimodipine, omega-Conotoxin GVIA, and Agatoxin IVA partially suppressed DR-EPSCs, however, they had little or no effect on mEPSC frequency. La3+ and mibefradil, agents interfering with low-threshold Ca2+ channels, regularly decreased mEPSC frequency with little effect on fast-evoked EPSCs. Increased [K+]o (5-10 mM) in the superfusion, producing modest depolarizations, consistently increased mEPSC frequency; an increase suppressed by mibefradil but not by HVA Ca2+ channel antagonists. Together these observations indicate that different Ca2+ channels are important for evoked EPSCs and mEPSCs in spinal laminae I and II and implicate a low-threshold type of Ca2+ channel in generation of mEPSCs.

Differences in Ca2+ channels governing generation of miniature and evoked excitatory synaptic currents in spinal laminae I and II

Many neurons of spinal laminae I and II, a region concerned with pain and other somatosensory mechanisms, display frequent miniature "spontaneous" EPSCs (mEPSCs). In a number of instances, mEPSCs occur often enough to influence neuronal excitability. To compare generation of mEPSCs to EPSCs evoked by dorsal root stimulation (DR-EPSCs), various agents affecting neuronal activity and Ca2+ channels were applied to in vitro slice preparations of rodent spinal cord during tight-seal, whole-cell, voltage-clamp recordings from laminae I and II neurons. The AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonist CNQX (10-20 microM) regularly abolished DR-EPSCs. In many neurons CNQX also eliminated mEPSCs; however, in a number of cases a proportion of the mEPSCs were resistant to CNQX suggesting that in these instances different mediators or receptors were also involved. Cd2+ (10-50 microM) blocked evoked EPSCs without suppressing mEPSC occurrence. In contrast, Ni2+ ( Collapse

Key Words

• mepscs
• epscs
• lva ca²⁺ channels
• spinal laminae i and ii
• spinal dorsal horn
• rodent
• mibefradil
• la³⁺

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MESH Headings

• 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione/pharmacology
• Animals
• Cadmium/pharmacology
• Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
• Calcium Channels/metabolism
• Cricetinae
• Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology
• Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials/drug effects
• Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
• In Vitro Techniques
• Nickel/pharmacology
• Patch-Clamp Techniques
• Potassium/pharmacology
• Potassium/physiology
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Tetrodotoxin/pharmacology

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Grants

• F32 NS010321 NINDS NIH HHS
• R01 NS010321 NINDS NIH HHS
• NS10321 NINDS NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

J Bao Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7545, USA
J J Li
E R Perl

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Complex synaptic current waveforms evoked in hippocampal pyramidal neurons by extracellular stimulation of dentate gyrus

Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons by extracellular stimulation of the dentate gyrus typically exhibit complex waveforms. They commonly have inflections or notches on the rising phase; the decay phase may exhibit notches or other obvious departures from a simple monoexponential decline; they often display considerable variability in the latency from stimulation to the peak current; and the rise times tend to be long. One hypothesis is that these complex EPSC waveforms might result from excitation via other CA3 pyramidal cells that were recruited antidromically or trans-synaptically by the stimulus due to the complex anatomy of this region. An alternative hypothesis is that EPSC complexity does not emerge from the functional anatomy but rather reflects an unusual physiological property, intrinsic to excitation-secretion coupling in mossy-fiber (mf) synaptic terminals, that causes asynchronous quantal release. We evaluated certain predictions of our anatomic hypothesis by adding a pharmacological agent to the normal bathing medium that should suppress di- or polysynaptic responses. For this purpose we used baclofen (3 microM), a selective agonist for the gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor. The idea was that baclophen should discriminate against polysynaptic versus monosynaptic inputs by hyperpolarizing the cells, bringing them further from spike threshold and possibly also through inhibitory presynaptic actions. Whole cell recordings were done from visually preselected CA3 pyramidal neurons and EPSCs were evoked by fine bipolar electrodes positioned into the granule cell layer of the dentate. To the extent that the EPSC complexity reflects di- or polysynaptic responses, we predicted baclofen to reduce the number of notches on the rising and decay phases, reduce the variance in latency to peak of the EPSCs, decrease the amplitudes and rise times of the individual and averaged EPSCs, and increase the apparent failures in evoked EPSCs. All of these predictions were confirmed, in support of the hypothesis that these complex EPSC waveforms commonly reflect di- or polysynaptic responses. We also documented a distinctly different, intermittent, form of EPSC complexity, which also is predicted and easily explained by our anatomic hypothesis. In particular, the results were in accord with the suggestion that stimulation of the dentate gyrus might antidromically stimulate axon collaterals of CA3 neurons that make recurrent synapses onto the recorded cell. We conclude that the overall pattern of results is consistent with expectations based on the functional anatomy. The explanation does not demand a special type of intrinsic asynchronous mechanism for excitation-secretion coupling in the mf synapses.

Distribution of calretinin immunoreactivity in the mouse dentate gyrus: II. Mossy cells, with special reference to their dorsoventral difference in calretinin immunoreactivity

In our previous study we revealed the presence of clustered large calretinin-immunoreactive multipolar cells in the ventral hilus of the mouse dentate gyrus and indicated that they might be mossy cells, the principal neurons in the dentate hilus. In the present study we confirmed this identification with several methods and analysed further in detail. In Golgi-impregnated samples mossy cells were easily identified by their locations and characteristic thorny excrescences on their proximal dendrites. Golgi-impregnated mossy cells were observed not only in the ventral hilus but also in the dorsal hilus, where no calretinin-immunoreactive large multipolar cells were encountered. Interestingly, mossy cells exhibited dorsoventral differences in the size and complexity of thorny excrescences; mossy cells at the dorsal and middle levels had larger and more complex thorny excrescences, which covered dendritic shafts for a longer distance, while ventral mossy cells had smaller, simpler and shorter thorny excrescences. Confocal laser scanning light microscopic observations at a high magnification showed that the vast majority of calretinin-immunoreactive large neurons in the ventral hilus displayed the thorny excrescences characteristic to mossy cells. Mossy cells identified with the intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow were calretinin-immunoreactive. Electron microscopic observations clearly revealed that calretinin-immunoreactive elements showed structural features of mossy cells such as thorny excrescences receiving typical synapses from mossy fibre terminals. At the supragranular zone, a well-known target zone of mossy cell axons, a dense calretinin-immunoreactive band was seen, where numerous calretinin-immunoreactive punctae and fibres were packed. Electron microscopic observations revealed that these calretinin-immunoreactive axon terminals in the supragranular zone made asymmetrical synapses on presumed granule cell dendritic spines. Tracer injection studies and lesion experiments indicated that the supragranular calretinin-immunoreactive axon terminals mainly originated from the large calretinin-immunoreactive multipolar cells in the ipsilateral ventral hilus. Fluorescent double immunostaining for calretinin and glutamate receptor 2/3 (GluR2/3) revealed that all large calretinin-immunoreactive hilar cells in the ventral level were GluR2/3-immunoreactive and almost all intensely GluR2/3-immunoreactive hilar cells in the ventral level were calretinin-immunoreactive. In addition intensely GluR2/3-immunoreactive but calretinin-negative large cells were encountered in the dentate hilus at the dorsal level. On the basis of these observations, we concluded that large calretinin-immunoreactive cells in the ventral hilus of the mouse dentate gyrus were really mossy cells and that mossy cells at the dorsal level were calretinin negative. The present study revealed that mouse mossy cells show the dorsoventral difference in the calretinin immunoreactivity and thus they are chemically heterogeneous.

A pacemaker current in dye-coupled hilar interneurons contributes to the generation of giant GABAergic potentials in developing hippocampus

The establishment of synaptic connections and their refinement during development require neural activity. Increasing evidence suggests that spontaneous bursts of neural activity within an immature network are mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid via a paradoxical excitatory action. Our data show that in the developing hippocampus such synchronous burst activity is generated in the hilar region by transiently coupled cells. These cells have been identified as neuronal elements because they fire action potentials and they are not positive for the glial fibrillary acidic protein staining. Oscillations in hilar cells are "paced" by a hyperpolarization-activated current, with properties of Ih. Coactivated interneurons synchronously release GABA, which via its excitatory action may serve a neurotrophic function during the refinement of hippocampal circuitry.

A pacemaker current in dye-coupled hilar interneurons contributes to the generation of giant GABAergic potentials in developing hippocampus

The establishment of synaptic connections and their refinement during development require neural activity. Increasing evidence suggests that spontaneous bursts of neural activity within an immature network are mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid via a paradoxical excitatory action. Our data show that in the developing hippocampus such synchronous burst activity is generated in the hilar region by transiently coupled cells. These cells have been identified as neuronal elements because they fire action potentials and they are not positive for the glial fibrillary acidic protein staining. Oscillations in hilar cells are "paced" by a hyperpolarization-activated current, with properties of Ih. Coactivated interneurons synchronously release GABA, which via its excitatory action may serve a neurotrophic function during the refinement of hippocampal circuitry.

Conditions required for polysynaptic excitation of dentate granule cells by area CA3 pyramidal cells in rat hippocampal slices

Under control conditions, stimulation of area CA3 pyramidal cells in slices can produce inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in granule cells by a polysynaptic pathway that is likely to involve hilar neurons [Muller W. and Misgeld U. (1990) J. Neurophysiol. 64, 46-56; Muller W. and Misgeld U. (1991) J. Neurophysiol. 65, 141-147; Scharfman H. E. (1993) Neurosci. Lett. 156, 61-66; Scharfman H. F. (1994) Neurosci. Lett. 168, 29-33]. When slices are disinhibited, excitatory postsynaptic potentials occur after the same stimulus [Sharfman H. E. (1994) J. Neurosci. 14, 6041-6057]. The excitatory postsynaptic potentials are likely to be mediated by pyramidal cells that innervate hilar mossy cells, which in turn innervate granule cells. [Scharfman H. F. (1994) J. Neurosci 14, 6041-6057]. These pathways are potentially important, because they could provide positive or negative feedback from area CA3 to the dentate gyrus. However, it is not clear when the CA3-mossy cell-granule cell excitatory pathway operates, because to date it has only been described in detail when GABA(A) receptors are blocked throughout the entire slice [Scharfman H. E. (1994) J. Neurosci 14, 6041-6057]. Furthermore, the monosynaptic excitatory synaptic connections between these cells have only been observed in the presence of bicuculline [Scharfman H. F. (1994) J. Neurophysiol. 72, 2167-2180; Scharfman H. E. (1995) J. Neurophysiol. 74, 179-194]. Yet in vivo data suggest that a CA3-mossy cell-granule cell excitatory pathway may be active under some physiological conditions, because granule cells discharge in association with sharp wave population bursts of CA3 [Ylinen A., et al. (1995) Hippocampus 5, 78-90]. To address whether the CA3-mossy cell-granule cell pathway occurs without global disinhibition of the slice, and where in the network disinhibition may be required, the effects of area CA3 stimulation on granule cells was examined after focal application of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline to restricted areas of hippocampal slices. A micropipette containing 1 mM bicuculline was placed transiently either (i) in the area CA3 cell layer, (ii) the granule cell layer, (iii) the hilus, or (iv) more than one site in succession. If a small segment of the CA3 pyramidal cell layer or the hilus was disinhibited, or bicuculline was applied to both regions, area CA3 stimulation still evoked inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in granule cells. In fact, inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were enhanced under these conditions, probably because excitation of inhibitory cells was increased. When bicuculline was applied just to the area near an impaled granule cell, all inhibitory postsynaptic potentials evoked in that cell were blocked, but no underlying excitatory postsynaptic potential was uncovered. If bicuculline was applied focally to either area CA3 or the hilus and the impaled granule cell, CA3 stimulation subsequently evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials in that granule cell, presumably because excitatory neurons innervating granule cells were disinhibited while the effects of inhibitory cells on granule cells were blocked. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials were produced without bicuculline application in three of seven cells, simply by stimulating the fimbria repetitively. Thus, if bicuculline is applied to different sites in the slice, different effects occur on the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials of granule cells that are evoked by a fimbria stimulus. If bicuculline is applied to both the granule cell soma and either area CA3 or the hilus, inhibitory postsynaptic potentials are reduced, and reveal that excitatory postsynaptic potentials can be produced by the same stimulus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Electrophysiological diversity of pyramidal-shaped neurons at the granule cell layer/hilus border of the rat dentate gyrus recorded in vitro

In the rat dentate gyrus, pyramidal-shaped cells located on the border of the granule cell layer and the hilus are one of the most common types of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-immunoreactive neurons. This study describes their electrophysiological characteristics. Membrane properties, patterns of discharge, and synaptic responses were recorded intracellularly from these cells in hippocampal slices. Each cell was identified as pyramidal-shaped by injecting the marker Neurobiotin intracellularly (n = 17). In several respects the membrane properties of the sampled cells were similar to "fast-spiking" cells (putative inhibitory interneurons) that have been described in other areas of the hippocampus. For example, input resistance was high (mean 91.3 megohms), the membrane time constant was short (mean 7.7 ms), and there was a large afterhyperpolarization following a single action potential (mean 10.5 mV at resting potential). However, the action potentials of most pyramidal-shaped cells were not as brief (mean 1.2 ms total duration) as those of most previously described fast-spiking cells. Many pyramidal-shaped neurons had strong spike frequency adaptation relative to other fast-spiking cells. Although these latter two characteristics were apparent in the majority of the sampled cells, there were exceptional pyramidal-shaped neurons with fast action potentials and weak adaptation, demonstrating the electrophysiological variability of pyramidal-shaped cells. Responses to outer molecular layer stimulation were composed primarily of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) rather than inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), and were usually small (EPSPs evoked at threshold were often less than 2 mV), and brief (less than 30 ms). There was variability, because in a few cells EPSPs evoked at threshold were much larger. However, regardless of EPSP amplitude, suprathreshold stimulation (up to 4 times the threshold stimulus strength) rarely evoked more than one action potential in any cell. The results suggest that stimulation of perforant path axons produces limited excitatory synaptic responses in pyramidal-shaped neurons. This may be one of the reasons why they are relatively resistant to prolonged perforant path stimulation. The pyramidal-shaped neurons located at the base of the granule cell layer have been associated historically with a basket plexus around granule cell somata, and have been called pyramidal "basket" cells. However, basket-like endings were rare and axon collaterals outside the granule cell layer as the outer molecular layer and the central hilus, and antidromic action potentials could be recorded in some cells in response to weak stimulation of these areas. Taken together with the electrophysiological variability, the results indicate that these cells are physiologically heterogeneous.

Electrophysiological effects of Mu-selective opioids on hilar neurons in the hippocampus in vivo

Although mu-selective opioids have been shown to produce dramatic effects on neurons within the CA1 and dentate regions of the rat hippocampus, little is known regarding their effects on neurons within the hilus, a region of potential importance in several disease states. We studied the neurophysiologic responses of hilar neurons recorded extracellularly to electrophoretic [D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and systemic morphine (MS) in anesthetized rats. We found that hilar cells could be readily divided into two categories, based on their pattern of spontaneous activity and response to perforant path stimulation. Cells that discharged in a bursting-type pattern formed a homogeneous group electrophysiologically. The response of these cells to opioids was dependent on route of administration, with the spontaneous activity of all cells tested increasing following electrophoretically administered DAMGO, and remaining unchanged in response to systemic MS. Cells that discharged in a non-bursting pattern showed some electrophysiologic variation, as well as some differential response to opioids. However, the spontaneous activity in the majority of non-bursting cells increased following electrophoretic administration of DAMGO. In these cells, MS produced similar, although usually less dramatic, effects. Comparison with intracellular data suggests that the bursting cells in our study correlate most closely with hilar "mossy cells," while the non-bursting action potentials were recorded from other cells, primarily putative interneurons. We conclude that mu-selective opioids produce excitation of mossy cells, probably through an indirect mechanism, with the primary site of action occurring on cells in the granule cell layer. This regional excitation may help to mediate the effects of locally administered mu-selective opioids within the dentate gyrus.