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Quantifying Synapses: an Immunocytochemistry-based Assay to Quantify Synapse Number

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De novo synaptogenesis induced by GABA in the developing mouse cortex.

Won Chan Oh¹, Stefano Lutzu², Pablo E Castillo²

¹Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|August 13, 2016

Summary

Local GABA release on dendrites promotes new synapse formation in developing mouse cortex. This neurotransmitter acts as a synaptogenic factor, influencing neuronal circuitry development.

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Published on: April 20, 2018

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

Cortical pyramidal neuron dendrites feature both excitatory and inhibitory synapses.
Understanding the local regulation of synapse formation and distribution is crucial for deciphering neural circuit development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the local mechanisms governing synapse formation and distribution in developing cortical neurons.
To explore the role of local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release in regulating synaptic structure and function.

Main Methods:

Utilized mouse cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons during early postnatal development.
Investigated the effects of local GABA release on gephyrin puncta and dendritic spine formation.
Employed bidirectional manipulation of GABA release from somatostatin-positive interneurons.

Main Results:

Local GABA release activates GABA type A receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels, inducing gephyrin puncta and dendritic spine formation.
Newly formed inhibitory and excitatory synaptic structures acquired functional capabilities rapidly.
Modulating GABA release directly influenced the number of gephyrin puncta and dendritic spines.

Conclusions:

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts as a noncanonical synaptogenic factor in the developing cortex.
Local GABA signaling plays a significant role in shaping the early establishment of neuronal circuitry.
This study reveals a novel function of GABA in regulating synaptic development and neuronal connectivity.