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Developmental switch from GABA to glycine release in single central synaptic terminals
Junichi Nabekura1, Shutaro Katsurabayashi, Yasuhiro Kakazu
1Department of Cellular and System Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. nabekura@nips.ac.jp
Nature Neuroscience
|December 31, 2003
Summary
During early development, inhibitory inputs to rat lateral superior olive (LSO) neurons shift from GABA to glycine. This switch occurs within single presynaptic terminals, demonstrating novel central synapse plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Inhibitory neurotransmission in the developing brain is crucial for circuit formation.
- The lateral superior olive (LSO) is a key auditory nucleus where inhibitory inputs undergo significant developmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental transition of inhibitory neurotransmission in rat LSO neurons.
- To determine if the switch from GABAergic to glycinergic signaling occurs at the level of individual presynaptic terminals.
Main Methods:
- Recording of spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in LSO neurons.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of GABA and glycine content in presynaptic terminals.
- Developmental profiling of neurotransmitter release at different postnatal ages.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous mIPSCs in LSO neurons transitioned from GABAergic to glycinergic over the first two postnatal weeks.
- Mixed mIPSCs, indicating co-release of GABA and glycine, were observed during this transition.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed terminals containing both neurotransmitters, with GABA decreasing and glycine increasing by postnatal day 14 (P14).
Conclusions:
- The switch from GABAergic to glycinergic inhibitory inputs to LSO neurons can occur within a single presynaptic terminal.
- This study demonstrates a novel form of developmental plasticity at the single central synapse level.