Glutamate Postsynaptic Receptors under the Cap: Strictly Limited Access to Receptors in the Postsynaptic Density by Non-Synaptically Released Glutamate

Abstract

Astroglia is capable of releasing glutamate (Glu) in concentrations sufficient to activate ionotropic Glu receptors. Provided the released Glu reaches the receptors in the postsynaptic density, it can desensitize them. We have tested this possibility in the hippocampal CA1 synapses of rats either by applying exogenous Glu to the CA1 neurons or activating Glu release by astroglia. We found that Glu does not reach the synapses due to the existence of a protective uptake “cap,” which is sensitive to dihydrokainate, an inhibitor of GLT-type Glu transporter(s). Our results suggest that extrasynaptic and postsynaptic densities of the membranes of CA1 neurons form separate compartments differing from each other in the mechanisms and efficiency of processing external Glu. This provides additional diversity to specialized regulation of synaptic transmission and electrical excitation of pyramidal neurons.