Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices
Published on: April 6, 2016
Synaptic mechanisms of NMDA-mediated hyperpolarization in lateral amygdaloid projection neurons
L Danober1, T Heinbockel, R B Driesang
1Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Synaptic mechanisms underlying NMDA-mediated responses of neurons in the guinea pig lateral amygdala (AL) were investigated in in vitro slice preparations. Local application of NMDA resulted in initial hyperpolarization of pyramidal-like spiny cells (projection neurons), followed by prolonged depolarization. The slow depolarization represented a direct postsynaptic effect of NMDA, whereas the initial hyperpolarization was induced presynaptically through activation of GABAergic interneurons and was sensitive to blockade by tetrodotoxin as well as the GABA(A)-receptor antagonist bicuculline. Application of NMDA resulted in AP-5-sensitive, lasting depolarization also in putative interneurons of the AL suggesting direct activation of GABAergic interneurons by NMDA. These data indicate that interneurons in the rat lateral amygdala possess functional NMDA receptors, which may contribute to the predominantly inhibitory synaptic responses in amygdaloid neurons following activation through afferent input systems.
More Related Videos
09:49Combined Optogenetic and Freeze-fracture Replica Immunolabeling to Examine Input-specific Arrangement of Glutamate Receptors in the Mouse Amygdala
Published on: April 15, 2016
09:09Electrophysiological Investigations of Retinogeniculate and Corticogeniculate Synapse Function
Published on: August 7, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Potentiation
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters
Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Local Anesthetics: Mechanism of Action
Local anesthetics are amphiphilic molecules consisting of a hydrophobic aromatic part linked to a hydrophilic group by an ester or amide linkage. They are weak bases and are usually available as salts, which increases their solubility and stability. Once administered, LAs exist in the body either...
Integration of Synaptic Events
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...