mGluR-dependent Long-term Depression Research Articles

Multiple Mechanisms of Endocannabinoid Response Initiation in Hippocampus

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) act as retrograde messengers at inhibitory synapses of the hippocampal CA1 region. Current models place eCB synthesis in the postsynaptic pyramidal cell and the site of eCB action at cannabinoid receptors located on presynaptic interneuron terminals. Four responses at the CA1-interneuron synapse are attributed to eCBs: depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated enhancement of DSI (DeltaDSI), persistent suppression of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs), and finally, mGluR-dependent long-term depression (iLTD). It has been proposed that all are mediated by the eCB, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, yet there is evidence that DSI does not arise from the same underlying biochemical processes as the other responses. In view of the increasing importance of eCB effects in the brain, it will be essential to understand the mechanisms by which eCB effects are produced. Our results reveal new differences in the biochemical pathways by which the eCB-dependent responses are initiated. Both U73122, a phospholipase C antagonist, and RHC-80267, a diacylglycerol (DAG) lipase antagonist, prevented eCB-dependent iLTD induction by 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). However, mAChR activation does not cause eCB-dependent iLTD. Neither enzyme inhibitor affects DSI, and persistent eCB-dependent eIPSC suppression induced by either mGluRs or mAChRs is unaffected by U73122. On the other hand, inhibition of DAG lipase prevents persistent eCB-dependent eIPSC suppression triggered by mAChRs. The results show that the biochemical pathways for the various eCB-dependent responses differ and might therefore be independently manipulated.

Repetition of mGluR-dependent LTD causes slowly developing persistent reduction in synaptic strength accompanied by synapse elimination

Synaptic plasticity, the cellular basis of memory, operates in a bidirectional manner. LTP (long-term potentiation) is followed by structural changes that may lead to the formation of new synapses. However, little is known whether LTD (long-term depression) is followed by morphological changes. Here we show that the repetitive induction of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent LTD in stable cultures of rat hippocampal slices led to a slowly developing persistent (ranging over weeks) reduction in synaptic strength that was accompanied by the loss of synaptic structures. LTD was induced pharmacologically 1–3 times at 24-h intervals by applying aseptically ACPD (1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid), an agonist of group I/II mGluR, and APV (2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate), an antagonist of the NMDA ( N-methyl- d-aspartate) receptor. One ACPD/APV application induced LTD that lasted less than 24 h. After three LTD inductions, however, a gradual attenuation of the fEPSP (field excitatory postsynaptic potential) amplitude and a decrease in the number of pre- and postsynaptic structures were observed. The blockade of LTD by an mGluR antagonist or a protein phosphatase 2B inhibitor abolished the development of the synaptic attenuation. In contrast to our previous finding that the repetitive LTP induction triggered a slowly developing persistent synaptic enhancement, the incremental and decremental forms of synaptic plasticity appeared to occur symmetrically not only on the minutes–hours time order but also on the days–weeks time order.

Rap1-induced p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Activation Facilitates AMPA Receptor Trafficking via the GDI·Rab5 Complex: POTENTIAL ROLE IN (S)-3,5-DIHYDROXYPHENYLGLYCINE-INDUCED LONG TERM DEPRESSION

Recent evidence has emphasized the importance of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the induction of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long term depression (LTD) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. However, the cascade responsible of mGluR to activate p38 MAPK and the signaling pathway immediately downstream from it to induce synaptic depression is poorly understood. Here, we show that transient activation of group I mGluR with the selective agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) activates p38 MAPK through G protein betagamma-subunit, small GTPase Rap1, and MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6), thus resulting in mGluR5-dependent LTD. Furthermore, our data clearly show that an accelerating AMPA receptor endocytosis by stimulating the formation of guanyl nucleotide dissociation inhibitor-Rab5 complex is a potential downstream processing of p38 MAPK activation to mediate DHPG-LTD. These results suggest an important role for Rap1-MKK3/6-p38 MAPK pathway in the induction of mGluR-dependent LTD by directly coupling to receptor trafficking machineries to facilitate the loss of synaptic AMPA receptors.

Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor (mGluR)-Dependent Long-Term Depression Mediated via p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Inhibited by Previous High-Frequency Stimulation and Activation of mGluRs and Protein Kinase C in the Rat Dentate GyrusIn Vitro

The induction of synaptic plasticity is known to be influenced by the previous history of the synapse, a process termed metaplasticity. Here we demonstrate a novel metaplasticity in which group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission is regulated by previous mGluR activation. In these studies, the group I mGluR-dependent LTD induced by the selective agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG-LTD) was inhibited by previous preconditioning brief high-frequency stimulation (HFS), regardless of whether the preconditioning HFS induced long-term potentiation. Blockade of NMDA receptors during the preconditioning HFS did not alter the inhibition of DHPG-LTD by the HFS. However, antagonism of mGluRs during the preconditioning HFS did prevent the inhibition of DHPG-LTD by the HFS. In addition, blocking PKC stimulation during the preconditioning HFS also prevented the inhibitory effect of HFS on DHPG-LTD. The DHPG-LTD itself was not inhibited by blocking PKC stimulation but was inhibited by blocking the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Thus, whereas the DHPG-LTD is mediated via activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, the inhibitory effects of preconditioning HFS on DHPG-LTD are mediated via stimulation of group I/II mGluRs, activation of PKC, and subsequent blocking of the functioning of group I mGluR.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression mediated via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is inhibited by previous high-frequency stimulation and activation of mGluRs and protein kinase C in the rat dentate gyrus in vitro.

The induction of synaptic plasticity is known to be influenced by the previous history of the synapse, a process termed metaplasticity. Here we demonstrate a novel metaplasticity in which group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission is regulated by previous mGluR activation. In these studies, the group I mGluR-dependent LTD induced by the selective agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG-LTD) was inhibited by previous preconditioning brief high-frequency stimulation (HFS), regardless of whether the preconditioning HFS induced long-term potentiation. Blockade of NMDA receptors during the preconditioning HFS did not alter the inhibition of DHPG-LTD by the HFS. However, antagonism of mGluRs during the preconditioning HFS did prevent the inhibition of DHPG-LTD by the HFS. In addition, blocking PKC stimulation during the preconditioning HFS also prevented the inhibitory effect of HFS on DHPG-LTD. The DHPG-LTD itself was not inhibited by blocking PKC stimulation but was inhibited by blocking the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Thus, whereas the DHPG-LTD is mediated via activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, the inhibitory effects of preconditioning HFS on DHPG-LTD are mediated via stimulation of group I/II mGluRs, activation of PKC, and subsequent blocking of the functioning of group I mGluR.

Calcineurin Plays Different Roles in Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor- and NMDA Receptor-Dependent Long-Term Depression

We investigated metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of 6- to 8-d-old [postnatal days 6-8 (P6-P8)] and 21- to 25-d-old (P21-P25) rats. In P6-P8 rats, induction of LTD depended on the activity of group II mGluRs. In P21-P25 rats, however, this LTD disappeared, and instead, NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent LTD appeared. A bath containing a specific calcineurin (CaN) inhibitor restored the group II mGluR-dependent LTD in the neurons of the P21-P25 rats. Although postsynaptic injection of CaN inhibitors suppressed NMDAR-dependent LTD, it did not affect induction of group II mGluR-dependent LTD. These results demonstrate that CaN plays different roles in the induction of two forms of LTD: presynaptic CaN inhibits group II mGluR-dependent LTD, whereas postsynaptic CaN facilitates NMDAR-dependent LTD. These findings are the first demonstration in vitro of group II mGluR-dependent LTD that is negatively regulated by CaN via an age-dependent mechanism.

Postsynaptic induction and presynaptic expression of group 1 mGluR-dependent LTD in the hippocampal CA1 region.

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) with the group I mGluR selective agonist (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) induces a long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Here we investigated the potential roles of pre- and postsynaptic processes in the DHPG-induced LTD at excitatory synapses onto hippocampal pyramidal cells in the mouse hippocampus. Activation of mGluRs with DHPG, but not ACPD, induced LTD at both Schaffer collateral/commissural fiber synapses onto CA1 pyramidal cells and at associational/commissural fiber synapses onto CA3 pyramidal cells. DHPG-induced LTD was blocked when the G-protein inhibitor guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) was selectively delivered into postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal cells via an intracellular recording electrode, suggesting that DHPG depresses synaptic transmission through a postsynaptic, GTP-dependent signaling pathway. The effects of DHPG were also strongly modulated, however, by experimental manipulations that altered presynaptic calcium influx. In these experiments, we found that elevating extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](o)) to 6 mM almost completely blocked the effects of DHPG, whereas lowering [Ca(2+)](o) to 1 mM significantly enhanced the ability of DHPG to depress synaptic transmission. Enhancing Ca(2+) influx by prolonging action potential duration with bath applications of the K(+) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) also strongly reduced the effects of DHPG in the presence of normal [Ca(2+)](o) (2 mM). Although these findings indicate that alterations in Ca(2+)-dependent signaling processes strongly regulate the effects of DHPG on synaptic transmission, they do not distinguish between potential pre- versus postsynaptic sites of action. We found, however, that while inhibiting both pre- and postsynaptic K(+) channels with bath-applied 4-AP blocked the effects of DHPG; inhibition of postsynaptic K(+) channels alone with intracellular Cs(+) and TEA had no effect on the ability of DHPG to inhibit synaptic transmission. This suggests that presynaptic changes in transmitter release contribute to the depression of synaptic transmission by DHPG. Consistent with this, DHPG induced a persistent depression of both AMPA and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated components of excitatory postsynaptic currents in voltage-clamped pyramidal cells. Together our results suggest that activation of postsynaptic mGluRs suppresses transmission at excitatory synapses onto CA1 pyramidal cells through presynaptic effects on transmitter release.

Neuronal Glutamate Transporters Control Activation of Postsynaptic Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors and Influence Cerebellar Long-Term Depression

Neuronal and glial isoforms of glutamate transporters show distinct distributions on membranes surrounding excitatory synapses, but specific roles for transporter subtypes remain unidentified. At parallel fiber (PF) synapses in cerebellum, neuronal glutamate transporters and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have overlapping postsynaptic distributions suggesting that postsynaptic transporters selectively regulate mGluR activation. We examined interactions between transporters and mGluRs by evoking mGluR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (mGluR EPSCs) in slices of rat cerebellum. Selective inhibition of postsynaptic transporters enhanced mGluR EPSCs greater than 3-fold. Moreover, impairing glutamate uptake facilitated mGluR-dependent long-term depression at PF synapses. Our results demonstrate that uniquely positioned glutamate transporters strongly influence mGluR activation at cerebellar PF synapses. Postsynaptic glutamate uptake may serve as a general mechanism for regulating mGluR-initiated synaptic depression.

NMDA receptor- and metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity induced by high frequency stimulation in the rat dentate gyrus in vitro.

1. The mechanisms of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) induced by brief high frequency stimulation (HFS), paired with a particular pattern and amplitude of depolarisation has been investigated in the medial perforant pathway of the dentate gyrus of the 2- to 3-week-old rat hippocampus in vitro. 2. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) activation was measured quantitatively during HFS-induced NMDAR-dependent LTP, LTD and at the LTD--LTP crossover point in order to test the hypothesis that the induction of the particular form of plasticity depends on the intensity of NMDAR activation. 3. The induction of LTD, the LTD--LTP crossover point and LTP was associated with an increasing NMDAR charge transfer. 4. In addition to the NMDAR-dependent LTD, a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-dependent LTD could be induced by high intensity HFS paired with depolarisation under conditions of NMDAR inhibition. 5. The induction of mGluR-dependent LTD requires membrane depolarisation, Ca(2+) influx via L-type Ca(2+) channels and a rise in intracellular Ca(2+). 6. Quantal analysis involving minimal stimulation demonstrated that the mGluR-dependent LTD induction was associated with a decrease in potency and an increase in failure rate.

Synaptic Modifications

In the hippocampus, pyramidal neurons receive multiple excitatory stimuli through thousands of synapses. Accumulation of translation machinery in postsynaptic cells has been observed after stimulation, but the function has remained elusive. Huber et al . examined the role of localized protein synthesis in generating changes in synaptic strength with stimulation. They found that protein synthesis in the postsynaptic cells modified synaptic transmission within minutes to create long-term depression of the synaptic contact. The finding has implications for the cellular mechanisms of information storage and memory. Huber, K.M., Kayser, M.S., and Bear, M.F. (2000) Role for rapid dendritic protein synthesis in hippocampal mGluR-dependent long-term depression. Science 288 : 1254-1256. [Abstract] [Full Text]

Role for Rapid Dendritic Protein Synthesis in Hippocampal mGluR-Dependent Long-Term Depression

A hippocampal pyramidal neuron receives more than 10(4) excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Many of these synapses contain the molecular machinery for messenger RNA translation, suggesting that the protein complement (and thus function) of each synapse can be regulated on the basis of activity. Here, local postsynaptic protein synthesis, triggered by synaptic activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors, was found to modify synaptic transmission within minutes.

Role of protein kinases A and C in the induction of mGluR-dependent long-term depression in the medial perforant path of the rat dentate gyrus in vitro

The involvement of protein kinases A and C in the induction of low frequency stimulation-induced long-term depression (LTD) in the medial perforant path of the dentate gyrus in vitro has been studied using the selective PKA inhibitors H-89 and KT 5720 and PKC inhibitors Bisindolylmaleimide and Ro-31-8220. The PKC inhibitors Bisindolylmaleimide I and Ro-31-8220 and the PKA inhibitors H-89 and KT5720 all partially inhibited LTD induction. However, the presence of both a PKC and a PKA inhibitor was necessary to completely block LTD induction. The induction of long-term potentiation was not blocked by the inhibitors. It is suggested that the induction of LTD by LFS involves activation of PKC and PKA following activation of group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR).