Abstract
Most neuron types possess elaborate dendritic arbors that receive and integrate excitatory and inhibitory inputs from numerous other neurons to give rise to cell-type specific firing patterns. The computational properties of these dendrites are therefore crucial for neuronal information processing, and are strongly determined by the expression of many types of voltage-gated ion channels in their membrane. The dendritic distribution patterns of these ion channels are characteristic for each ion channel type, are dependent on the neuronal identity, and can be modified in a plastic or pathophysiological manner. We present a method that enables us to semi-automatically map and quantify in 3D the expression levels of specific ion channel types across the entire dendritic arbor. To achieve this, standard immunohistochemistry was combined with reconstruction and quantification procedures for the localization and relative distribution of ion channels with respect to dendritic morphology. This method can, in principle, be applied to any fluorescent signal, including fluorescently tagged membrane proteins, RNAs, or intracellular signaling molecules.
Highlights
In most central nervous system (CNS) neurons synaptic inputs are widely distributed across extensive dendritic arbors
It has been demonstrated that certain ion channels have a polarized dendritic distribution, while others are distributed in a homogenous manner along the apical dendrite of pyramidal neurons (Lai and Jan, 2006)
The combination of ion channels expressed by a neuron, as well as their dendritic distribution may serve as a molecular dendritic signature of a particular cell-type and assist in cell classification studies
Summary
In most central nervous system (CNS) neurons synaptic inputs are widely distributed across extensive dendritic arbors. The combination of ion channels expressed by a neuron, as well as their dendritic distribution may serve as a molecular dendritic signature of a particular cell-type and assist in cell classification studies Such information is necessary for the generation of accurate circuit maps, for the understanding of dendritic computation processes and for visualizing changes in ion channel expression during plasticity or associated with certain pathologies (reviewed in Frick and Johnston, 2005; Remy et al, 2010; Shah et al, 2010; Narayanan and Johnston, 2012; Pastoll et al, 2012). This information is required for biologically realistic neuron models (e.g., Poirazi et al, 2003)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
