Facilitation of the induction of long-term potentiation by GABAB receptors

Science. 1991 Jun 21;252(5013):1718-20. doi: 10.1126/science.1675489.

Abstract

Long-term potentiation (LTP), an in vitro model of learning, was induced in hippocampal slices by 5-hertz stimulation. During induction, gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) inhibition decreased, causing the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitation to increase. 2-OH Saclofen, a GABAB receptor antagonist, prevented the reduction of inhibition, the increase of excitation, and the induction of LTP. Therefore, disinhibition caused by GABAB receptors is required for induction of LTP by 5-hertz stimulation. GABAB receptor modulation of synaptic plasticity occurs at frequencies in the range of the endogenous hippocampal theta rhythm, which has been shown to modulate LTP in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / pharmacology
  • Baclofen / analogs & derivatives
  • Baclofen / pharmacology
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Neural Inhibition
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate
  • Baclofen
  • 2-hydroxysaclofen