Inhibitory Synaptic Currents Research Articles

Decrease of inhibitory synaptic currents of locus coeruleus neurons via orexin type 1 receptors in the context of naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal.

Acute opioid withdrawal syndrome is a series of neurological symptoms caused by the abrupt cessation of the chronic administration of opioids such as morphine. The locus coeruleus (LC) in the brain stem receives a dense projection of orexinergic fibers from the hypothalamus and is a candidate site for the expression of the somatic aspects of morphine withdrawal. Previous studies have shown that orexin-A contributes to the behavioral symptoms of naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal, partly by reducing the activity of GABAergic neurons, suggesting that orexin-A may negatively modulate fast GABAergic neurotransmission during morphine withdrawal. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of LC neurons in brainstem slices to investigate the effect of orexin-A on bicuculline-sensitive GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) during naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal. Male Wistar rats (P14-P21) were given morphine (20mg/kg, i.p.) daily for seven consecutive days to create dependency on the drug. The application of naloxone (1µM) to brain slices of morphine-treated rats reduced the amplitude of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) as well as spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) frequency but did not change sIPSCs amplitude. Orexin-A (100nM) significantly enhanced the suppressive effect of naloxone on eIPSCs amplitude and sIPSCs frequency but had no effect on the presence of the orexin type 1 receptor (OX1R) antagonist, SB-334867. Orexin-A alone had no significant effect on eIPSCs and sIPSCs in the absence of naloxone. In summary, our results show that orexin-A, via OX1R, potentiates the suppressive effect of naloxone on GABAergic IPSCs of LC neurons in morphine-treated rats. We conclude that orexins may have a critical role in regulating GABAergic neurotransmission to LC neurons during naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal.

Astrocytes detect and upregulate transmission at inhibitory synapses of somatostatin interneurons onto pyramidal cells

Astrocytes are important regulators of excitatory synaptic networks. However, astrocytes regulation of inhibitory synaptic systems remains ill defined. This is particularly relevant since GABAergic interneurons regulate the activity of excitatory cells and shape network function. To address this issue, we combined optogenetics and pharmacological approaches, two-photon confocal imaging and whole-cell recordings to specifically activate hippocampal somatostatin or paravalbumin-expressing interneurons (SOM-INs or PV-INs), while monitoring inhibitory synaptic currents in pyramidal cells and Ca2+ responses in astrocytes. We found that astrocytes detect SOM-IN synaptic activity via GABABR and GAT-3-dependent Ca2+ signaling mechanisms, the latter triggering the release of ATP. In turn, ATP is converted into adenosine, activating A1Rs and upregulating SOM-IN synaptic inhibition of pyramidal cells, but not PV-IN inhibition. Our findings uncover functional interactions between a specific subpopulation of interneurons, astrocytes and pyramidal cells, involved in positive feedback autoregulation of dendritic inhibition of pyramidal cells.

Selectivity of Monaural Synaptic Inputs Underlying Binaural Auditory Information Integration in the Central Nucleus of Inferior Colliculus.

Neurons in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) receive ascending inputs from the ipsilateral and contralateral auditory pathway. However, the contributions of excitatory or inhibitory synaptic inputs evoked by ipsilateral and contralateral stimuli to auditory responses of ICC neurons remain unclear. Using in vivo whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, we investigated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents in neurons of the ICC in response to binaural stimulation by performing an intensity-intensity scan. To systematically analyze the contribution of the ipsilateral and contralateral ear, the sound intensity was randomly delivered to each side from 0 dB sound pressure level (SPL) to 70 dB SPL. Although the synaptic responses were dominated by contralateral inputs at weak sound intensities, they could be increased (or decreased) by additional ipsilateral stimulation at higher intensities. Interestingly, the synaptic responses to contralateral acoustic inputs were not linearly superimposed with the ipsilateral ones. By contrast, the responses showed either a contralateral or ipsilateral profile, depending on which one was more dominant. This change occurred at a certain intensity “switch” point. Thus, the binaural auditory responses of the ICC neurons were not simply mediated by the summation of the inputs evoked by ipsilateral and contralateral stimulations. This suggested that the ICC might inherit the acoustic information integrated at the brainstem, causing the selectivity of monaural excitation and inhibition to underlie the neuronal binaural acoustic response.

Developmental seizures and mortality result from reducing GABAA receptor \u03b12-subunit interaction with collybistin

Fast inhibitory synaptic transmission is mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) that are enriched at functionally diverse synapses via mechanisms that remain unclear. Using isothermal titration calorimetry and complementary methods we demonstrate an exclusive low micromolar binding of collybistin to the α2-subunit of GABAARs. To explore the biological relevance of collybistin-α2-subunit selectivity, we generate mice with a mutation in the α2-subunit-collybistin binding region (Gabra2-1). The mutation results in loss of a distinct subset of inhibitory synapses and decreased amplitude of inhibitory synaptic currents. Gabra2–1 mice have a striking phenotype characterized by increased susceptibility to seizures and early mortality. Surviving Gabra2-1 mice show anxiety and elevations in electroencephalogram δ power, which are ameliorated by treatment with the α2/α3-selective positive modulator, AZD7325. Taken together, our results demonstrate an α2-subunit selective binding of collybistin, which plays a key role in patterned brain activity, particularly during development.

Synaptic drive in spinal motoneurons during scratch network activity.

Synaptic activity in motoneurons may provide unique insight in the relation between functional network activity and behavior. During scratch network activity in an ex vivo preparation from red-eared turtles ( Trachemys scripta elegans), excitatory and inhibitory synaptic current can be separated and quantified in voltage-clamp recordings. With this technique, we confirm the reciprocal synaptic excitation and inhibition in hip flexor motoneurons during ipsilateral scratching and show that out-of-phase inhibition and excitation also characterize hip extensor motoneurons during ipsi- and contralateral scratching. In contrast, inhibition precedes and partly overlaps excitation in hip flexor-like motoneurons and delays depolarization of membrane potential. We conclude that out-of-phase excitation and inhibition during rhythmic network activity is a common feature in spinal motoneurons. NEW & NOTEWORTHY During network activity, the firing pattern of individual neurons is shaped by their intrinsic conductances and synaptic input. Quantification of synaptic input is, therefore, essential to understand how the properties of individual neurons contribute to function and help to reveal the structure of the network. Here, we show how a combination of recording techniques can be used to quantify and compare the pattern of synaptic activity in different groups of motoneurons during rhythmic network activity.

Current evidence for central analgesic effects of NSAIDs: an overview of the literature.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed for a variety of painful conditions. Their peripheral anti-inflammatory effect due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis is well documented. In the late 1980's, animal data suggested for the first time that NSAIDs might have central effects as well. Since that time, central inflammatory and nociceptive pathways that are potential targets of NSAIDs have been extensively studied in both animal and human models. This review provides an overview of the relevant literature implicated in the central effects of NSAIDs. The role of different enzymes and mediators, as well as the central effects of NSAIDs are discussed. Literature search was performed by PubMed NCBI. A large body of evidence supports the central effects of NSAIDs in animal models of inflammatory pain conditions. Relevant mechanisms that underlie this central action involve spinal upregulation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, increased spinal prostaglandin E2 production, modulation of inhibitory fast synaptic currents in lamina I and II of the dorsal horn, and glycine-dependent modulation of pain. Results from animal models are not yet sufficiently supported by human studies. This does not necessarily imply that the central effects of NSAIDs are irrelevant to human pain, but rather that methodological and regulatory barriers are the limiting step to translating findings from animal studies to human research protocols.

Modeling dynamic behavior of striatal medium spiny neurons with point neuron models

The aim of this work is to investigate the role of network organization and the neuron model type on the collective dynamic behavior of striatal population. For that purpose, two different scale neuron models which are phenomenological Izhikevich and conductance-based Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) type are used to investigate the dynamic behavior of MS neurons. Two network architectures are proposed with inhibitory and excitatory synaptic currents. In these networks, while all MS neurons affect each other with inhibitory synaptic currents, an excitatory current is applied to all MS neurons in the first layer, to represent the cortical inputs. A mathematical model of a medium spiny neuron of striatum based on HH type neuron model is proposed using different calcium channels and its dynamical behavior is investigated. It is observed that when the original HH model is used, regular spiking type behavior is observed. Including the high threshold calcium current, after hyperpolarization calcium current and voltage gated potasium current into the model improves the modeling capabilities. With extended ion channels, in addition to regular spiking behavior, bursting with resting stage are obtained. Then, Izhikevich neuron model is used in the network structures to compare the dynamic behaviors and computational time.

Efficient Coding and Energy Efficiency Are Promoted by Balanced Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Currents in Neuronal Network.

Selective pressure may drive neural systems to process as much information as possible with the lowest energy cost. Recent experiment evidence revealed that the ratio between synaptic excitation and inhibition (E/I) in local cortex is generally maintained at a certain value which may influence the efficiency of energy consumption and information transmission of neural networks. To understand this issue deeply, we constructed a typical recurrent Hodgkin-Huxley network model and studied the general principles that governs the relationship among the E/I synaptic current ratio, the energy cost and total amount of information transmission. We observed in such a network that there exists an optimal E/I synaptic current ratio in the network by which the information transmission achieves the maximum with relatively low energy cost. The coding energy efficiency which is defined as the mutual information divided by the energy cost, achieved the maximum with the balanced synaptic current. Although background noise degrades information transmission and imposes an additional energy cost, we find an optimal noise intensity that yields the largest information transmission and energy efficiency at this optimal E/I synaptic transmission ratio. The maximization of energy efficiency also requires a certain part of energy cost associated with spontaneous spiking and synaptic activities. We further proved this finding with analytical solution based on the response function of bistable neurons, and demonstrated that optimal net synaptic currents are capable of maximizing both the mutual information and energy efficiency. These results revealed that the development of E/I synaptic current balance could lead a cortical network to operate at a highly efficient information transmission rate at a relatively low energy cost. The generality of neuronal models and the recurrent network configuration used here suggest that the existence of an optimal E/I cell ratio for highly efficient energy costs and information maximization is a potential principle for cortical circuit networks.SummaryWe conducted numerical simulations and mathematical analysis to examine the energy efficiency of neural information transmission in a recurrent network as a function of the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. We obtained a general solution showing that there exists an optimal E/I synaptic ratio in a recurrent network at which the information transmission as well as the energy efficiency of this network achieves a global maximum. These results reflect general mechanisms for sensory coding processes, which may give insight into the energy efficiency of neural communication and coding.

The Synaptic Properties of Cells Define the Hallmarks of Interval Timing in a Recurrent Neural Network.

Extensive research has described two key features of interval timing. The bias property is associated with accuracy and implies that time is overestimated for short intervals and underestimated for long intervals. The scalar property is linked to precision and states that the variability of interval estimates increases as a function of interval duration. The neural mechanisms behind these properties are not well understood. Here we implemented a recurrent neural network that mimics a cortical ensemble and includes cells that show paired-pulse facilitation and slow inhibitory synaptic currents. The network produces interval selective responses and reproduces both bias and scalar properties when a Bayesian decoder reads its activity. Notably, the interval-selectivity, timing accuracy, and precision of the network showed complex changes as a function of the decay time constants of the modeled synaptic properties and the level of background activity of the cells. These findings suggest that physiological values of the time constants for paired-pulse facilitation and GABAb, as well as the internal state of the network, determine the bias and scalar properties of interval timing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Timing is a fundamental element of complex behavior, including music and language. Temporal processing in a wide variety of contexts shows two primary features: time estimates exhibit a shift toward the mean (the bias property) and are more variable for longer intervals (the scalar property). We implemented a recurrent neural network that includes long-lasting synaptic currents, which cannot only produce interval-selective responses but also follow the bias and scalar properties. Interestingly, only physiological values of the time constants for paired-pulse facilitation and GABAb, as well as intermediate background activity within the network can reproduce the two key features of interval timing.

GluN2A Haploinsufficiency: a Novel Pre‐Clinical Model of Epilepsy

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play pivotal physiological roles during development and maturation of the mammalian central nervous system. Their functional diversity is controlled by nature of the two GluN2 subunits that co‐assemble with two GluN1 subunits in the receptor‐complex. Four GluN2 subunits exist (GluN2A–D) and their expression patterns are developmentally and spatially restricted. In the mammalian forebrain the predominant NMDAR composition is one of a diheteromeric assembly of two GluN1 with (i) two GluN2A subunits (GluN1/2A) or (ii) two GluN2B subunits (GluN1/2B) or a triheteromeric assembly of two GluN1 and one of each of a GluN2A and GluN2B subunit. The GluN2 identity strongly influences NMDAR kinetic behaviour – GluN1/2A and GluN1/2A/2B NMDARs have faster deactivation rates than those exhibited by GluN1/2B. Thus loss or reduced expression of GluN2A will change the kinetic profile of NMDAR populations. It is now recognized that humans who have certain mutations in GluN2A NMDAR subunits or are haploinsufficient for GluN2A protein experience epileptic seizures. To investigate the mechanistic basis of neuronal dysfunction associated with GluN2A reduction we have created a novel transgenic rat line using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, where exon 8 of GluN2 is deleted. We have studied the intrinsic and synaptic properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons obtained from rats either completely lacking expression of Glun2A (Grin2A−/−) or ones which are heterozygous for the deletion (Grin2A+/−). Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings revealed that compared to recordings from wild‐type (WT) neurons no significant differences are observed in intrinsic excitability of either Grin2A+/− or Grin2A−/− pyramidal neurones when recordings were made from postnatal day 12–14 or postnatal day 28–32 animals. In addition, miniature and spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents recorded from either WT, Grin2A+/− or Grin2A−/− neurons showed little differences in the amplitudes or frequency of events. As is to be expected, however, loss of GluN2A expression leads to a slowing of the duration of the NMDAR‐mediated component of evoked synaptic currents. Our data also indicate that the magnitude of synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral/commissural synapses on to CA1 pyramidal neurons is reduced.Support or Funding InformationBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council BB/N015878/1 Epilepsy Research UK P1602This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Imbalanced amplification: A mechanism of amplification and suppression from local imbalance of excitation and inhibition in cortical circuits.

Understanding the relationship between external stimuli and the spiking activity of cortical populations is a central problem in neuroscience. Dense recurrent connectivity in local cortical circuits can lead to counterintuitive response properties, raising the question of whether there are simple arithmetical rules for relating circuits’ connectivity structure to their response properties. One such arithmetic is provided by the mean field theory of balanced networks, which is derived in a limit where excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents precisely balance on average. However, balanced network theory is not applicable to some biologically relevant connectivity structures. We show that cortical circuits with such structure are susceptible to an amplification mechanism arising when excitatory-inhibitory balance is broken at the level of local subpopulations, but maintained at a global level. This amplification, which can be quantified by a linear correction to the classical mean field theory of balanced networks, explains several response properties observed in cortical recordings and provides fundamental insights into the relationship between connectivity structure and neural responses in cortical circuits.

P.1.007 - How does fractalkine modulate synaptic transmission in the rat basolateral amygdala? Insights from electrophysiology

Background Convincing evidence has implicated chemokines in many neurobiological processes potentially relevant to psychiatric disorders, beyond their traditional chemotactic functions. These may include neuromodulator and neurotransmitter-like effects [1]. Yet, recognition and characterization of chemokine effects on neurophysiology are still lacking. The chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) is mostly expressed in neurons, whereas its cognate receptor, CX3CR1, is mainly expressed in microglia; however, some reports also demonstrate its neuronal localization [2]. They are constitutively and diffusively expressed in the brain, mostly in structures such as the hippocampus and amygdala [3]. The amygdala plays critical roles in a variety of behavioral responses, including fear and anxiety. The main input structure of the amygdala, the basolateral nuclei (BLA), receives sensory information from thalamus and cortex. Dysregulation in this region contributes to the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the neurophysiological effects of fractalkine in the rat BLA. Method Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed from principal neurons in acute brain slices (300 μm) containing the BLA. After recording a baseline, fractalkine (2 nM) was bath-applied. Both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission were measured by recording spontaneous synaptic currents (sIPSC/sEPSC). Additionally, synaptic responses were electrically evoked using concentric bipolar stimulating electrodes placed in either the external capsule or the BLA, inducing AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory synaptic currents (eEPSC), NMDA receptor-mediated currents or GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory synaptic currents (eIPSC). Results Our data indicate that application of fractalkine results in the decreased amplitude of AMPA-mediated eEPSC (paired t-test; p=0.0081, t=3.379, df=9, n=10). On the contrary, the amplitude of NMDA currents was elevated (paired t-test; p=0.0056, t=5.425, df=4, n=5). Regarding inhibitory transmission, fractalkine increased the frequency (paired t-test; p=0.0434, t=2.917, df=4, n=5) and reduced the amplitude of recorded spontaneous currents (paired t-test; p=0.0346, t=3.149, df=4, n=5). These results were consistent with eIPSC data, as both amplitude (paired t-test; p=0.04, t=2.9, df=4, n=5) and paired-pulse ratio were altered (paired t-test; p=0.0275, t=3.4, df=4, n=5). Conclusions Our results suggest multifaceted effects of fractalkine application. The decreased amplitude of AMPA currents and the increased amplitude of NMDA currents result in a reduced AMPA/NMDA ratio and indicate a change in either expression or function of postsynaptic channels. Similar effects after fractalkine application were observed in the hippocampus, and they might be dependent on microglia [4,5]. Interestingly, changes in the inhibitory transmission involve both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms and possibly homeostatic plasticity mechanisms affecting neural output. The actions of fractalkine in the BLA may be due to their ability to activate its only receptor CX3CR1 localized on neurons and microglia leading to changes in neuronal membrane properties and synaptic transmission. In conclusion, our data show that fractalkine has a profound effect on BLA synaptic transmission, indicating that this protein can be an active modulator of neuronal activity in the fear-related response circuitry, which may have significant scientific and therapeutic implications.

Distinct kinetics of inhibitory currents in thalamocortical neurons that arise from dendritic or axonal origin.

Thalamocortical neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) transfer visual information from retina to primary visual cortex. This information is modulated by inhibitory input arising from local interneurons and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons, leading to alterations of receptive field properties of thalamocortical neurons. Local GABAergic interneurons provide two distinct synaptic outputs: axonal (F1 terminals) and dendritic (F2 terminals) onto dLGN thalamocortical neurons. By contrast, TRN neurons provide only axonal output (F1 terminals) onto dLGN thalamocortical neurons. It is unclear if GABAA receptor-mediated currents originating from F1 and F2 terminals have different characteristics. In the present study, we examined multiple characteristics (rise time, slope, halfwidth and decay τ) of GABAA receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic synaptic currents (mIPSCs) originating from F1 and F2 terminals. The mIPSCs arising from F2 terminals showed slower kinetics relative to those from F1 terminals. Such differential kinetics of GABAAR-mediated responses could be an important role in temporal coding of visual signals.

Heteromeric α/βglycine receptors regulate excitability in parvalbumin-expressing dorsal horn neurons through phasic and tonic glycinergic inhibition.

Key points Spinal parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons have been identified as a critical source of inhibition to regulate sensory thresholds by gating mechanical inputs in the dorsal horn.This study assessed the inhibitory regulation of the parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons, showing that synaptic and tonic glycinergic currents dominate, blocking neuronal or glial glycine transporters enhances tonic glycinergic currents, and these manipulations reduce excitability.Synaptically released glycine also enhanced tonic glycinergic currents and resulted in decreased parvalbumin‐expressing interneuron excitability.Analysis of the glycine receptor properties mediating inhibition of parvalbumin neurons, as well as single channel recordings, indicates that heteromeric α/β subunit‐containing receptors underlie both synaptic and tonic glycinergic currents.Our findings indicate that glycinergic inhibition provides critical control of excitability in parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons in the dorsal horn and represents a pharmacological target to manipulate spinal sensory processing. The dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord is an important site for modality‐specific processing of sensory information and is essential for contextually relevant sensory experience. Parvalbumin‐expressing inhibitory interneurons (PV+ INs) have functional properties and connectivity that enables them to segregate tactile and nociceptive information. Here we examine inhibitory drive to PV+ INs using targeted patch‐clamp recording in spinal cord slices from adult transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein in PV+ INs. Analysis of inhibitory synaptic currents showed glycinergic transmission is the dominant form of phasic inhibition to PV+ INs. In addition, PV+ INs expressed robust glycine‐mediated tonic currents; however, we found no evidence for tonic GABAergic currents. Manipulation of extracellular glycine by blocking either, or both, the glial and neuronal glycine transporters markedly decreased PV+ IN excitability, as assessed by action potential discharge. This decreased excitability was replicated when tonic glycinergic currents were increased by electrically activating glycinergic synapses. Finally, we show that both phasic and tonic forms of glycinergic inhibition are mediated by heteromeric α/β glycine receptors. This differs from GABAA receptors in the dorsal horn, where different receptor stoichiometries underlie phasic and tonic inhibition. Together these data suggest both phasic and tonic glycinergic inhibition regulate the output of PV+ INs and contribute to the processing and segregation of tactile and nociceptive information. The shared stoichiometry for phasic and tonic glycine receptors suggests pharmacology is unlikely to be able to selectively target each form of inhibition in PV+ INs.

Estradiol modulates the efficacy of synaptic inhibition by decreasing the dwell time of GABAA receptors at inhibitory synapses

Estrogen plays a critical role in many physiological processes and exerts profound effects on behavior by regulating neuronal excitability. While estrogen has been established to exert effects on dendritic morphology and excitatory neurotransmission its role in regulating neuronal inhibition is poorly understood. Fast synaptic inhibition in the adult brain is mediated by specialized populations of γ-c aA receptors (GABAARs) that are selectively enriched at synapses, a process dependent upon their interaction with the inhibitory scaffold protein gephyrin. Here we have assessed the role that estradiol (E2) plays in regulating the dynamics of GABAARs and stability of inhibitory synapses. Treatment of cultured cortical neurons with E2 reduced the accumulation of GABAARs and gephyrin at inhibitory synapses. However, E2 exposure did not modify the expression of either the total or the plasma membrane GABAARs or gephyrin. Mechanistically, single-particle tracking revealed that E2 treatment selectively reduced the dwell time and thereby decreased the confinement of GABAARs at inhibitory synapses. Consistent with our cell biology measurements, we observed a significant reduction in amplitude of inhibitory synaptic currents in both cultured neurons and hippocampal slices exposed to E2, while their frequency was unaffected. Collectively, our results suggest that acute exposure of neurons to E2 leads to destabilization of GABAARs and gephyrin at inhibitory synapses, leading to reductions in the efficacy of GABAergic inhibition via a postsynaptic mechanism.

Strength and Diversity of Inhibitory Signaling Differentiates Primate Anterior Cingulate from Lateral Prefrontal Cortex.

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of the primate play distinctive roles in the mediation of complex cognitive tasks. Compared with the LPFC, integration of information by the ACC can span longer timescales and requires stronger engagement of inhibitory processes. Here, we reveal the synaptic mechanism likely to underlie these differences using in vitro patch-clamp recordings of synaptic events and multiscale imaging of synaptic markers in rhesus monkeys. Although excitatory synaptic signaling does not differ, the level of synaptic inhibition is much higher in ACC than LPFC layer 3 pyramidal neurons, with a significantly higher frequency (∼6×) and longer duration of inhibitory synaptic currents. The number of inhibitory synapses and the ratio of cholecystokinin to parvalbumin-positive inhibitory inputs are also significantly higher in ACC compared with LPFC neurons. Therefore, inhibition is functionally and structurally more robust and diverse in ACC than in LPFC, resulting in a lower excitatory: inhibitory ratio and a greater dynamic range for signal integration and network oscillation by the ACC. These differences in inhibitory circuitry likely underlie the distinctive network dynamics in ACC and LPC during normal and pathological brain states.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play temporally distinct roles during the execution of cognitive tasks (rapid working memory during ongoing tasks and long-term memory to guide future action, respectively). Compared with LPFC-mediated tasks, ACC-mediated tasks can span longer timescales and require stronger engagement of inhibition. This study shows that inhibitory signaling is much more robust and diverse in the ACC than in the LPFC. Therefore, there is a lower excitatory: inhibitory synaptic ratio and a greater dynamic range for signal integration and oscillatory behavior in the ACC. These significant differences in inhibitory synaptic transmission form an important basis for the differential timing of cognitive processing by the LPFC and ACC in normal and pathological brain states.

Actions of Propofol on Neurons in the Cerebral Cortex.

Propofol is primarily a hypnotic, and is widely used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, as well as for sedation in various medical procedures. The exact mechanisms of its action are not well understood, although its neural mechanisms have been explored in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Accumulating evidence indicates that one of the major targets of propofol is the cerebral cortex. The principal effect of propofol is considered to be the potentiation of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory synaptic currents, but propofol has additional roles in modulating ion channels, including voltage-gated Na+ channels and several K+ channels. We focus on the pharmacological actions of propofol on cerebrocortical neurons, particularly at the cellular and synaptic levels.

Synaptic Inhibition in Avian Interaural Level Difference Sound Localizing Neurons.

Synaptic inhibition plays a fundamental role in the neural computation of the interaural level difference (ILD), an important cue for the localization of high-frequency sound. Here, we studied the inhibitory synaptic currents in the chicken posterior portion of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (LLDp), the first binaural level difference encoder of the avian auditory pathway. Using whole-cell recordings in brain slices, we provide the first evidence confirming a monosynaptic inhibition driven by direct electrical and chemical stimulation of the contralateral LLDp, establishing the reciprocal inhibitory connection between the two LLDps, a long-standing assumption in the field. This inhibition was largely mediated by GABAA receptors; however, functional glycine receptors were also identified. The reversal potential for the Cl− channels measured with gramicidin-perforated patch recordings was hyperpolarizing (−88 mV), corresponding to a low intracellular Cl− concentration (5.2 mm). Pharmacological manipulations of KCC2 (outwardly Cl− transporter) activity demonstrate that LLDp neurons can maintain a low intracellular Cl− concentration under a high Cl− load, allowing for the maintenance of hyperpolarizing inhibition. We further demonstrate that hyperpolarizing inhibition was more effective at regulating cellular excitability than depolarizing inhibition in LLDp neurons.

Propofol-induced spike firing suppression is more pronounced in pyramidal neurons than in fast-spiking neurons in the rat insular cortex

Propofol is a major intravenous anesthetic that facilitates GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory synaptic currents and modulates inward current (Ih), K+, and voltage-gated Na+ currents. This propofol-induced modulation of ionic currents changes intrinsic membrane properties and repetitive spike firing in cortical pyramidal neurons. However, it has been unknown whether propofol modulates these electrophysiological properties in GABAergic neurons, which express these ion channels at different levels. This study examined whether pyramidal and GABAergic neuronal properties are differentially modulated by propofol in the rat insular cortical slice preparation. We conducted multiple whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from pyramidal neurons and from GABAergic neurons, which were classified into fast-spiking (FS), low threshold spike (LTS), late-spiking (LS), and regular-spiking nonpyramidal (RSNP) neurons. We found that 100μM propofol hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential and decreased input resistance in all types of neurons tested. Propofol also potently suppressed, and in most cases eliminated, repetitive spike firing in all these neurons. However, the potency of the propofol-induced changes in membrane and firing properties is particularly prominent in pyramidal neurons. Using a low concentration of propofol clarified this tendency: 30μM propofol decreased the firing of pyramidal neurons but had little effect on GABAergic neurons. Pre-application of a GABAA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin (100μM), diminished the propofol-induced suppression of neural activities in both pyramidal and FS neurons. These results suggest that GABAergic neurons, especially FS neurons, are less affected by propofol than are pyramidal neurons and that propofol-induced modulation of the intrinsic membrane properties and repetitive spike firing are principally mediated by GABAA receptor-mediated tonic currents

The chemokine CXCL16 modulates neurotransmitter release in hippocampal CA1 area.

Chemokines have several physio-pathological roles in the brain. Among them, the modulation of synaptic contacts and neurotransmission recently emerged as crucial activities during brain development, in adulthood, upon neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. CXCL16 is a chemokine normally expressed in the brain, where it exerts neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced damages through cross communication with astrocytes and the involvement of the adenosine receptor type 3 (A3R) and the chemokine CCL2. Here we demonstrated for the first time that CXCL16 exerts a modulatory activity on inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in CA1 area. We found that CXCL16 increases the frequency of the miniature inhibitory synaptic currents (mIPSCs) and the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs), suggesting a presynaptic modulation of the probability of GABA release. In addition, CXCL16 increases the frequency of the miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSCs) and reduces the PPR of evoked excitatory transmission, indicating that the chemokine also modulates and enhances the release of glutamate. These effects were not present in the A3RKO mice and in WT slices treated with minocycline, confirming the involvement of A3 receptors and introducing microglial cells as key mediators of the modulatory activity of CXCL16 on neurons.