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Ni(2+)-sensitive T-type Ca(2+) channel currents are regulated in parallel with synaptic and visual response
Shoko Horibe1, Etsuko Tarusawa2, Yukio Komatsu1
1Department of Neuroscience, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
Neuroscience Research
|July 15, 2014
Summary
The study reveals that the development of specific calcium channels (CaV3.2) in visual cortex neurons is crucial for ocular dominance plasticity. Dark rearing delays the decline of these channels, impacting visual development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Visual System Plasticity
Background:
- Monocular deprivation induces changes in visual cortical neuron responses.
- A critical period exists for visual development, influenced by early visual experience.
- Ni(2+)-sensitive T-type Ca(2+) channel-dependent long-term potentiation (T-LTP) is implicated in visual response potentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of Ni(2+)-sensitive T-type Ca(2+) channels, specifically CaV3.2.
- To understand the role of CaV3.2 channel development in ocular dominance plasticity.
- To examine the effects of dark rearing on CaV3.2 channel development and plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell recordings from rat visual cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons.
- Pharmacological blockade of sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels.
- Voltage-clamp recordings to activate T-type Ca(2+) currents and estimation of CaV3.2 currents using Ni(2+) subtraction.
Main Results:
- CaV3.2 currents were minimal before eye opening, peaked during the critical developmental period, and decreased in adulthood.
- Dark rearing prevented the developmental decrease in CaV3.2 currents, maintaining them at higher levels into adulthood.
- These developmental changes in CaV3.2 currents correlate with known patterns of ocular dominance plasticity.
Conclusions:
- The developmental regulation of CaV3.2 currents is a key mechanism underlying changes in T-LTP.
- CaV3.2 channel activity is essential for the establishment and modification of ocular dominance plasticity.
- Environmental factors like dark rearing alter CaV3.2 channel development, affecting visual cortical plasticity.
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