CiteULike: lechristophe's electrophysiology

Functional significance of axonal Kv7 channels in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Mala Shah — 2008-06-04T07:44:56-00:00

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 105, No. 22. (3 June 2008), pp. 7869-7874.

Members of the Kv7 family (Kv7.2-Kv7.5) generate a subthreshold K+ current, the M- current. This regulates the excitability of many peripheral and central neurons. Recent evidence shows that Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits are targeted to the axon initial segment of hippocampal neurons by association with ankyrin G. Further, spontaneous mutations in these subunits that impair axonal targeting cause human neonatal epilepsy. However, the precise functional significance of their axonal location is unknown. Using electrophysiological techniques together with a peptide that selectively disrupts axonal Kv7 targeting (ankyrin G-binding peptide, or ABP) and other pharmacological tools, we show that axonal Kv7 channels are critically and uniquely required for determining the inherent spontaneous firing of hippocampal CA1 pyramids, independently of alterations in synaptic activity. This action was primarily because of modulation of action potential threshold and resting membrane potential (RMP), amplified by control of intrinsic axosomatic membrane properties. Computer simulations verified these data when the axonal Kv7 density was three to five times that at the soma. The increased firing caused by axosomatic Kv7 channel block backpropagated into distal dendrites affecting their activity, despite these structures having fewer functional Kv7 channels. These results indicate that axonal Kv7 channels, by controlling axonal RMP and action potential threshold, are fundamental for regulating the inherent firing properties of CA1 hippocampal neurons. 10.1073/pnas.0802805105

Homeostatic plasticity in hippocampal slice cultures involves changes in voltage-gated Na+ channel expression.

CO Aptowicz — 2008-06-16T11:59:24-00:00

Brain research, Vol. 998, No. 2. (20 February 2004), pp. 155-163.

Neurons preserve stable electrophysiological properties despite ongoing changes in morphology and connectivity throughout their lifetime. This dynamic compensatory adjustment, termed 'homeostatic plasticity', may be a fundamental means by which the brain normalizes its excitability, and is possibly altered in disease states such as epilepsy. Despite this significance, the cellular mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity are incompletely understood. Using field potential analyses, we observed a compensatory enhancement of neural excitability after 48 h of activity deprivation via tetrodotoxin (TTX) in hippocampal slice cultures. Because activity deprivation can enhance voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) currents, we used Western blot analyses to probe for these channels in control and activity-deprived slice cultures. A significant upregulation of VGSCs expression was evident after activity deprivation. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed this upregulation to occur along primarily pyramidal cell dendrites. Western blot analyses of cultures after 1 day of recovery from activity deprivation showed that VGSC levels returned to control levels, indicating that multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to enhanced excitability. Because of their longevity and in vivo-like cytoarchitecture, we conclude that slice cultures may be highly useful for investigating homeostatic plasticity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that enhanced excitability involves changes in channel expression with a targeted localization likely profound transform the integrative capacities of hippocampal pyramidal cells and their dendrites.

Dendritic excitability and synaptic plasticity.

PJ Sjöström — 2008-06-15T09:17:23-00:00

Physiological reviews, Vol. 88, No. 2. (April 2008), pp. 769-840.

Most synaptic inputs are made onto the dendritic tree. Recent work has shown that dendrites play an active role in transforming synaptic input into neuronal output and in defining the relationships between active synapses. In this review, we discuss how these dendritic properties influence the rules governing the induction of synaptic plasticity. We argue that the location of synapses in the dendritic tree, and the type of dendritic excitability associated with each synapse, play decisive roles in determining the plastic properties of that synapse. Furthermore, since the electrical properties of the dendritic tree are not static, but can be altered by neuromodulators and by synaptic activity itself, we discuss how learning rules may be dynamically shaped by tuning dendritic function. We conclude by describing how this reciprocal relationship between plasticity of dendritic excitability and synaptic plasticity has changed our view of information processing and memory storage in neuronal networks.

[Surface mobility of postsynaptic AMPARs tunes synaptic transmission.]

D Choquet — 2008-05-13T18:18:04-00:00

Médecine sciences : M/S, Vol. 24, No. 5. (May 2008), pp. 548-550.

K+ Channels at the Axon Initial Segment Dampen Near-Threshold Excitability of Neocortical Fast-Spiking GABAergic Interneurons

Ethan Goldberg — 2008-05-13T10:24:23-00:00

Neuron, Vol. 58, No. 3. (8 May 2008), pp. 387-400.

Summary Fast-spiking cells (FS cells) are a prominent subtype of neocortical GABAergic interneurons with important functional roles. Multiple FS cell properties are coordinated for rapid response. Here, we describe an FS cell feature that serves to gate the powerful inhibition produced by FS cell activity. We show that FS cells in layer 2/3 barrel cortex possess a dampening mechanism mediated by Kv1.1-containing potassium channels localized to the axon initial segment. These channels powerfully regulate action potential threshold and allow FS cells to respond preferentially to large inputs that are fast enough to "outrun" Kv1 activation. In addition, Kv1.1 channel blockade converts the delay-type discharge pattern of FS cells to one of continuous fast spiking without influencing the high-frequency firing that defines FS cells. Thus, Kv1 channels provide a key counterbalance to the established rapid-response characteristics of FS cells, regulating excitability through a unique combination of electrophysiological properties and discrete subcellular localization.

Surface mobility of postsynaptic AMPARs tunes synaptic transmission.

M Heine — 2008-04-13T06:35:31-00:00

Science (New York, N.Y.), Vol. 320, No. 5873. (11 April 2008), pp. 201-205.

AMPA glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast excitatory synaptic transmission. Upon fast consecutive synaptic stimulation, transmission can be depressed. Recuperation from fast synaptic depression has been attributed solely to recovery of transmitter release and/or AMPAR desensitization. We show that AMPAR lateral diffusion, observed in both intact hippocampi and cultured neurons, allows fast exchange of desensitized receptors with naïve functional ones within or near the postsynaptic density. Recovery from depression in the tens of millisecond time range can be explained in part by this fast receptor exchange. Preventing AMPAR surface movements through cross-linking, endogenous clustering, or calcium rise all slow recovery from depression. Physiological regulation of postsynaptic receptor mobility affects the fidelity of synaptic transmission by shaping the frequency dependence of synaptic responses.

Axon initial segment Kv1 channels control axonal action potential waveform and synaptic efficacy.

MH Kole — 2008-01-20T23:09:07-00:00

Neuron, Vol. 55, No. 4. (16 August 2007), pp. 633-647.

Action potentials are binary signals that transmit information via their rate and temporal pattern. In this context, the axon is thought of as a transmission line, devoid of a role in neuronal computation. Here, we show a highly localized role of axonal Kv1 potassium channels in shaping the action potential waveform in the axon initial segment (AIS) of layer 5 pyramidal neurons independent of the soma. Cell-attached recordings revealed a 10-fold increase in Kv1 channel density over the first 50 microm of the AIS. Inactivation of AIS and proximal axonal Kv1 channels, as occurs during slow subthreshold somatodendritic depolarizations, led to a distance-dependent broadening of axonal action potentials, as well as an increase in synaptic strength at proximal axonal terminals. Thus, Kv1 channels are strategically positioned to integrate slow subthreshold signals, providing control of the presynaptic action potential waveform and synaptic coupling in local cortical circuits.

Action potential generation requires a high sodium channel density in the axon initial segment

Maarten Kole — 2008-01-31T11:58:16-00:00

Nature Neuroscience, Vol. 11, No. 2. (20 January 2008), pp. 178-186.

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized region in neurons where action potentials are initiated. It is commonly assumed that this process requires a high density of voltage-gated sodium (Na(+)) channels. Paradoxically, the results of patch-clamp studies suggest that the Na(+) channel density at the AIS is similar to that at the soma and proximal dendrites. Here we provide data obtained by antibody staining, whole-cell voltage-clamp and Na(+) imaging, together with modeling, which indicate that the Na(+) channel density at the AIS of cortical pyramidal neurons is approximately 50 times that in the proximal dendrites. Anchoring of Na(+) channels to the cytoskeleton can explain this discrepancy, as disruption of the actin cytoskeleton increased the Na(+) current measured in patches from the AIS. Computational models required a high Na(+) channel density (approximately 2,500 pS microm(-2)) at the AIS to account for observations on action potential generation and backpropagation. In conclusion, action potential generation requires a high Na(+) channel density at the AIS, which is maintained by tight anchoring to the actin cytoskeleton.

The Tumor Suppressor eIF3e Mediates Calcium-Dependent Internalization of the L-Type Calcium Channel Ca(V)1.2.

EM Green — 2007-08-21T13:08:20-00:00

Neuron, Vol. 55, No. 4. (16 August 2007), pp. 615-632.

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) convert electrical activity into calcium (Ca(2+)) signals that regulate cellular excitability, differentiation, and connectivity. The magnitude and kinetics of Ca(2+) signals depend on the number of VGCCs at the plasma membrane, but little is known about the regulation of VGCC surface expression. We report that electrical activity causes internalization of the L-type Ca(2+) channel (LTC) Ca(V)1.2 and that this is mediated by binding to the tumor suppressor eIF3e/Int6 (eukaryotic initiation factor 3 subunit e). Using total internal reflection microscopy, we identify a population of Ca(V)1.2 containing endosomes whose rapid trafficking is strongly regulated by Ca(2+). We define a domain in the II-III loop of Ca(V)1.2 that binds eIF3e and is essential for the activity dependence of both channel internalization and endosomal trafficking. These findings provide a mechanism for activity-dependent internalization and trafficking of Ca(V)1.2 and provide a tantalizing link between Ca(2+) homeostasis and a mammalian oncogene.

Site of action potential initiation in layer 5 pyramidal neurons.

LM Palmer — 2006-12-13T14:18:22-00:00

J Neurosci, Vol. 26, No. 6. (8 February 2006), pp. 1854-1863.

Fundamental to an understanding of how neurons integrate synaptic input is the knowledge of where within a neuron this information is converted into an output signal, the action potential. Although it has been known for some time that action potential initiation occurs within the axon of neurons, the precise location has remained elusive. Here, we provide direct evidence using voltage-sensitive dyes that the site of action potential initiation in cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons is approximately 35 microm from the axon hillock. This was the case during action potential generation under a variety of conditions, after axonal inhibition, and at different stages of development. Once initiated action potentials propagated down the axon in a saltatory manner. Experiments using local application of low-sodium solution and TTX, as well as an investigation of the influence of axonal length on action potential properties, provided evidence that the initial 40 microm of the axon is essential for action potential generation. To morphologically identify the relationship between the site of action potential initiation and axonal myelination, we labeled oligodendrocytes supplying processes to the proximal region of the axon. These experiments indicated that the axon initial segment was approximately 40 mcirom in length, and the first node of Ranvier was approximately 90 microm from the axon hillock. Experiments targeting the first node of Ranvier suggested it was not involved in action potential initiation. In conclusion, these results indicate that, in layer 5 pyramidal neurons, action potentials are generated in the distal region of the axon initial segment.

Electrophysiology of embryonic, adult and aged rat hippocampal neurons in serum-free culture.

MS Evans — 2006-10-30T16:12:36-00:00

J Neurosci Methods, Vol. 79, No. 1. (31 January 1998), pp. 37-46.

Methods were recently developed for culturing neurons from adult rat hippocampus using the serum-free medium Neurobasal with B27 supplement. To determine whether adult cultured neurons have normal electrical properties, we studied cultures from rats of three age groups: (1) embryonic; (2) 10-11 months old and (3) 35-36 months old. Neurons had a polarized morphology with a large branching apical dendrite and small basal dendrites. Mean resting potentials were similar in the three age groups. All neurons had nonlinear current-voltage relationships, indicating the presence of voltage-sensitive ion channels. Most neurons had a voltage-sensitive inward current followed by a sustained voltage-sensitive outward current. Tetrodotoxin blocked the inward current, which is likely to be a sodium current. The sustained outward current, which is likely to be a potassium current, reversed at -71 mV. Most neurons exhibited anomalous rectification. Calcium currents were present in both embryonic and adult neurons. Embryonic neurons would sometimes fire multiple action potentials but adult neurons fired only single action potentials. Our results indicate that both embryonic and adult cultured neurons retain a clearly neuronal electrophysiological phenotype in Neurobasal/B27 serum-free medium.

Phospho-dependent binding of the clathrin AP2 adaptor complex to GABAA receptors regulates the efficacy of inhibitory synaptic transmission.

JT Kittler — 2006-10-30T16:05:13-00:00

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, Vol. 102, No. 41. (11 October 2005), pp. 14871-14876.

The efficacy of synaptic inhibition depends on the number of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA(A)Rs) expressed on the cell surface of neurons. The clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP2) complex is a critical regulator of GABA(A)R endocytosis and, hence, surface receptor number. Here, we identify a previously uncharacterized atypical AP2 binding motif conserved within the intracellular domains of all GABA(A)R beta subunit isoforms. This AP2 binding motif (KTHLRRRSSQLK in the beta3 subunit) incorporates the major sites of serine phosphorylation within receptor beta subunits, and phosphorylation within this site inhibits AP2 binding. Furthermore, by using surface plasmon resonance, we establish that a peptide (pepbeta3) corresponding to the AP2 binding motif in the GABA(A)R beta3 subunit binds to AP2 with high affinity only when dephosphorylated. Moreover, the pepbeta3 peptide, but not its phosphorylated equivalent (pepbeta3-phos), enhanced the amplitude of miniature inhibitory synaptic current and whole cell GABA(A)R current. These effects of pepbeta3 on GABA(A)R current were occluded by inhibitors of dynamin-dependent endocytosis supporting an action of pepbeta3 on GABA(A)R endocytosis. Therefore phospho-dependent regulation of AP2 binding to GABA(A)Rs provides a mechanism to specify receptor cell surface number and the efficacy of inhibitory synaptic transmission.

Regulation of dendritic protein synthesis by miniature synaptic events.

MA Sutton — 2006-09-21T15:49:02-00:00

Science, Vol. 304, No. 5679. (25 June 2004), pp. 1979-1983.

We examined dendritic protein synthesis after a prolonged blockade of action potentials alone and after a blockade of both action potentials and miniature excitatory synaptic events (minis). Relative to controls, dendrites exposed to a prolonged blockade of action potentials showed diminished protein synthesis. Dendrites in which both action potentials and minis were blocked showed enhanced protein synthesis, suggesting that minis inhibit dendritic translation. When minis were acutely blocked or stimulated, an immediate increase or decrease, respectively, in dendritic translation was observed. Taken together, these results reveal a role for miniature synaptic events in the acute regulation of dendritic protein synthesis in neurons.

Miniature neurotransmission stabilizes synaptic function via tonic suppression of local dendritic protein synthesis.

MA Sutton — 2006-07-10T10:51:13-00:00

Cell, Vol. 125, No. 4. (19 May 2006), pp. 785-799.

Activity deprivation in neurons induces a slow compensatory scaling up of synaptic strength, reflecting a homeostatic mechanism for stabilizing neuronal activity. Prior studies have focused on the loss of action potential (AP) driven neurotransmission in synaptic homeostasis. Here, we show that the miniature synaptic transmission that persists during AP blockade profoundly shapes the time course and mechanism of homeostatic scaling. A brief blockade of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) mediated miniature synaptic events ("minis") rapidly scales up synaptic strength, over an order of magnitude faster than with AP blockade alone. The rapid scaling induced by NMDAR mini blockade is mediated by increased synaptic expression of surface GluR1 and the transient incorporation of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors at synapses; both of these changes are implemented locally within dendrites and require dendritic protein synthesis. These results indicate that NMDAR signaling during miniature synaptic transmission serves to stabilize synaptic function through active suppression of dendritic protein synthesis.

Ankyrin-G regulates inactivation gating of the neuronal sodium channel, Nav1.6.

Emi Shirahata — 2006-07-21T08:52:47-00:00

J Neurophysiol (14 June 2006)

Ankyrin-G, a modular protein, plays a critical role in clustering voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav channels) in nodes of Ranvier and initial segments of mammalian neurons. However, direct effects of ankyrin-G on electrophysiological properties of Nav channels remain elusive. In this study, we explored whether ankyrin-G has a role in modifying gating properties of the neuronal Nav1.6 channel that is predominantly localized at nodes of Ranvier and initial segments. TsA201 cells transfected with the human Nav1.6 cDNA alone exhibited significant persistent sodium current (Ina-p). On the other hand, Ina-p was barely detected upon co-expression with ankyrin-G. Ankyrin-B, another ankyrin, did not show such an effect. Expression of chimeras between the two isoforms of ankyrin suggests that the membrane-binding domain of ankyrin-G is critical for reducing the Ina-p of Nav1.6. These results suggest that ankyrin-G regulates neuronal excitability not only through clustering Nav channels but also by directly modifying their channel gating.