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Voltage-sensitive Dye Recording from Axons, Dendrites and Dendritic Spines of Individual Neurons in Brain Slices
Published on: November 29, 2012
Dichotomy of action-potential backpropagation in CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites
N L Golding1, W L Kath, N Spruston
1Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, Illinois 60208-3520, USA.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|December 4, 2001
Summary
Action potentials backpropagate into hippocampal neuron dendrites, but their invasion of distal dendrites varies significantly between cells. This dichotomy in action potential amplitude is linked to somatic action potential shape and likely due to differences in voltage-gated channel distribution.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Action potentials initiate in axons and backpropagate into dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.
- This backpropagation influences synaptic integration and plasticity, but its extent in distal dendrites is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of action potential invasion in distal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons.
- To identify factors contributing to variability in action potential backpropagation.
Main Methods:
- Paired somatic and dendritic whole-cell recordings in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.
- Calcium imaging combined with dual somatic and dendritic recordings.
- Quantitative morphometric analysis and computational modeling of CA1 pyramidal neurons.
Main Results:
- Action potentials showed <50% attenuation in proximal dendrites (<280 µm).
- Distal dendrites (>300 µm) exhibited dichotomous backpropagation: strong (26-42% attenuation) or weak (71-87% attenuation).
- Calcium influx correlated with distal invasion; somatic action potential shape (larger, faster, narrower) predicted greater attenuation.
Conclusions:
- A significant dichotomy exists in action potential backpropagation into distal CA1 dendrites.
- This variability is not explained by dendritic morphology or basic electrophysiological properties.
- Differences in voltage-gated channel distribution along the somatodendritic axis are hypothesized to underlie the observed dichotomy.
Related Concept Videos
01:41Action Potentials
Overview
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:28Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
01:23Propagation of Action Potentials
The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...