GABAergic projections from the subplate to Cajal-Retzius cells in the neocortex

Neuroreport. 2011 Aug 3;22(11):525-9. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32834888a4.

Abstract

Subplate neurons and Cajal-Retzius cells play an important role in the corticogenesis. Despite morphological evidence, the question whether subplate neurons innervate Cajal-Retzius cells has not been studied yet. We report that electrical stimulation in the subplate resulted in evoked GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in Cajal-Retzius cells. The eIPSC latency showed minor variability and amounted to approximately 4 ms, suggesting the monosynaptic connection. During the first postnatal week: (i) eIPSC amplitude increased, (ii) eIPSC kinetics sped up, (iii) the size of readily releasable pool increased, and (iv) γ-aminobutyric acid release probability decreased. We conclude that GABAergic subplate neurons innervate Cajal-Retzius cells. Surprisingly, despite the transient nature of both cell populations, these projections show developmental adjustments typical for many nontransient synaptic connections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neocortex / cytology*
  • Neocortex / growth & development*
  • Neural Pathways / cytology
  • Neural Pathways / growth & development
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid