Glutamate and theta-rhythm stimulation selectively enhance NMDA component of EPSC in CA1 neurons of young rats.
Using in situ whole-cell patch clamp of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons we demonstrate that glutamate initiates processes resulting in an increase in the amplitude of the excitatory post-synaptic current (EPSC). In adult animals both, NMDA and non-NMDA components of the EPSC increase in parallel. In young animals only the NMDA component is increased. A similar enhancement of the EPSC can be achieved by the stimulation of excitatory synaptic inputs to CA1 neurons with the frequency of the theta-rhythm. EPSCs remain enhanced for more than 60 min. The selective enhancement of the NMDA component in young animals is inhibited by preincubation of slices with the NO-synthase blocker, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (NA) or by the NO-scavenger, hemoglobin.
Garaschuk
O
O
Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine.
Kovalchuk
Y u
Yu
Krishtal
O
O
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D019335:Nitroarginine; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013826:Theta Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*
D005971:Glutamates; D006454:Hemoglobins; D019335:Nitroarginine; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D001120:Arginine; D009638:Norepinephrine