Long-range-projecting GABAergic neurons modulate inhibition in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex

Science. 2012 Mar 23;335(6075):1506-10. doi: 10.1126/science.1217139.

Abstract

The hippocampus and entorhinal cortex play a pivotal role in spatial learning and memory. The two forebrain regions are highly interconnected via excitatory pathways. Using optogenetic tools, we identified and characterized long-range γ-aminobutyric acid-releasing (GABAergic) neurons that provide a bidirectional hippocampal-entorhinal inhibitory connectivity and preferentially target GABAergic interneurons. Activation of long-range GABAergic axons enhances sub- and suprathreshold rhythmic theta activity of postsynaptic neurons in the target areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / cytology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / physiology
  • Dentate Gyrus / cytology
  • Dentate Gyrus / physiology
  • Entorhinal Cortex / physiology*
  • GABAergic Neurons / physiology*
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Interneurons / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Neural Inhibition*
  • Neural Pathways
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Somatostatin / metabolism
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synaptic Potentials
  • Theta Rhythm

Substances

  • Somatostatin