Bidirectional plasticity of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)-spike coupling in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Oct 29;99(22):14512-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.222546399. Epub 2002 Oct 21.

Abstract

Integration of synaptic excitation to generate an action potential (excitatory postsynaptic potential-spike coupling or E-S coupling) determines the neuronal output. Bidirectional synaptic plasticity is well established in the hippocampus, but whether active synaptic integration can display potentiation and depression remains unclear. We show here that synaptic depression is associated with an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-dependent and long-lasting depression of E-S coupling. E-S depression is input-specific and is expressed in the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A and B receptor antagonists. In single neurons, E-S depression is observed without modification of postsynaptic passive properties. We conclude that a decrease in intrinsic excitability underlies E-S depression and is synergic with glutamatergic long-term depression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology*
  • GABA Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Picrotoxin / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • GABA Antagonists
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Picrotoxin