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NMDA Receptor Antagonist MK801 Reduces Dendritic Spine Density and Stability in Zebrafish Pyramidal Neurons
Amanda Lamarca Dela Plata1, Estuardo Robles1
1Department of Biological Sciences and Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Neuroscience
|June 19, 2022
Summary
NMDA receptor antagonist MK801 reduced pyramidal neuron spine density and stability in zebrafish. Axons synapsing on spines showed reduced growth, but other neuronal structures were unaffected, suggesting distinct NMDAR roles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- NMDA-type glutamate receptors are crucial for activity-dependent neurite development.
- Understanding their role in neuronal morphology is key to deciphering brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of NMDA receptor antagonism on the morphological development of tectal pyramidal neurons (PyrNs) in zebrafish.
- To differentiate the effects on spiny vs. aspiny dendritic development and associated axonal structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cell type-specific genetic labeling in zebrafish.
- Administered the NMDA receptor antagonist MK801.
- Analyzed dendritic and axonal morphology, including spine density, stability, and arborization.
Main Results:
- MK801 treatment decreased PyrN spine density and stability.
- Dendritic growth and branching of PyrNs remained largely unaffected.
- Axonal arbor growth and branching were reduced specifically on synapses targeting PyrN dendritic spines.
Conclusions:
- NMDA receptor signaling differentially regulates the development of spiny and aspiny dendrites.
- Axonal development is selectively impacted by NMDA receptor activity at spiny synapses.
- Findings highlight distinct roles for NMDA receptors in shaping neuronal connectivity.
