Activity-induced large amplitude postsynaptic mPSPs at soma-soma synapses between Lymnaea neurons

Spontaneous transmitter release has been observed at various synapses that permit analysis at a sufficient resolution as a miniature postsynaptic potential (mPSP). However, the precise mechanisms that regulate spontaneous transmitter release have not yet been fully defined. Activity and ligand-mediated modulation of large amplitude, spontaneous events significantly enhances postsynaptic excitation in the absence of action potential activity suggesting a more complicated role for this mode of transmitter release, and thus warrants further analysis. Here, we used Lymnaea soma-soma synaptic connections to demonstrate that a transient increase in both the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous events (mPSPs) occurs following a short burst of action potentials in the presynaptic cell. These events were of presynaptic origin and the increase in mPSP amplitude could also be achieved with a stimulatory concentration of ryanodine. Ryanodine also occluded the activity-induced increase in mPSP amplitude implicating calcium release from these channels in the production of large amplitude spontaneous transmitter release events. This suggests that presynaptic activity triggers ryanodine receptor-mediated large amplitude minis, indicating that although these events are action potential-independent, they are nevertheless responsive to the prior activity of the synapse.