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Time-matched pre- and postsynaptic changes of GABAergic synaptic transmission in the developing mouse superior
Sergei Kirischuk1, René Jüttner, Rosemarie Grantyn
1Developmental Physiology, Johannes Müller Institute of Physiology, Humboldt University Medical School (Charité), 10117 Berlin, Germany. sergei.kirischuk@charite.de
The Journal of Physiology
|January 22, 2005
Summary
Developmental GABAergic synapses in the mouse superior colliculus undergo presynaptic and postsynaptic changes. These adjustments ensure proper inhibitory function during network development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- GABAergic postsynaptic current kinetics change during brain development.
- Presynaptic modifications accompanying these postsynaptic changes remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate presynaptic changes in GABAergic synaptic transmission during development.
- To correlate postsynaptic modifications with presynaptic events in the mouse superior colliculus (SC).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in mouse SC slices from postnatal day 1 to 22.
- Utilized whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and the binomial model of synaptic transmission.
- Estimated readily releasable pool (RRP) and quantal amplitude (q) to determine release probability (p).
Main Results:
- Two distinct developmental periods observed: P1-3 showed decreased release probability (p) and increased paired-pulse ratio, alongside a switch in GABA action.
- P6-15 exhibited reduced IPSC duration, decreased asynchronous release, and increased stimulus-locked synchronous release.
- Significant presynaptic adjustments paralleled postsynaptic modifications.
Conclusions:
- Postsynaptic changes in SC GABAergic transmission are accompanied by presynaptic modifications.
- These coordinated changes are crucial for maintaining inhibitory efficacy during synaptic network development.