Submillisecond AMPA receptor-mediated signaling at a principal neuron-interneuron synapse.
Glutamatergic transmission at a principal neuron-interneuron synapse was investigated by dual whole-cell patch-clamp recording in rat hippocampal slices combined with morphological analysis. Evoked EPSPs with rapid time course (half duration = 4 ms; 34 degrees C) were generated at multiple synaptic contacts established on the interneuron dendrites close to the soma. The underlying postsynaptic conductance change showed a submillisecond rise and decay, due to the precise timing of glutamate release and the rapid deactivation of the postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Simulations based on a compartmental model of the interneuron indicated that the rapid postsynaptic conductance change determines the shape and the somatodendritic integration of EPSPs, thus enabling interneurons to detect synchronous principal neuron activity.
Geiger
J R
JR
Physiologisches Institut der Universität Freiburg, Federal Republic ofGermany.
Lübke
J
J
Roth
A
A
Frotscher
M
M
Jonas
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D018091:Receptors, AMPA / Q000502:physiology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013997:Time Factors
D018091:Receptors, AMPA; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate