H2-K(b) and H2-D(b) regulate cerebellar long-term depression and limit motor learning

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Apr 21;106(16):6784-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0902018106. Epub 2009 Apr 3.

Abstract

There are more than 50 class I MHC (MHCI) molecules in the mouse genome, some of which are now known to be expressed in neurons; however, the role of classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity is unknown. We report that the classical MHCI molecules, H2-K(b) and H2-D(b), are co-expressed by Purkinje cells (PCs). In the cerebellum of mice deficient for both H2-K(b) and H2-D(b) (K(b)D(b-/-)), there is a lower threshold for induction of long-term depression (LTD) at parallel fiber to PC synapses. This change may be a result of additional glutamate release observed at K(b)D(b-/-) CF to PC synapses, which are thought to "train" the cerebellar circuit. A behavioral correlate of cerebellar LTD is motor learning; acquisition and retention of a Rotarod behavioral task is significantly better in K(b)D(b-/-) mice than in WT cohorts. These physiological and behavioral phenotypes in K(b)D(b-/-) mice reveal a surprising role for classical MHCI molecules in synaptic plasticity and motor learning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Cerebellum / embryology
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
  • Glutamates / metabolism
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Long-Term Synaptic Depression / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Purkinje Cells / metabolism
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Rotarod Performance Test
  • Synapses / metabolism

Substances

  • Glutamates
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I