Non-ionotropic NMDAR signalling activates Panx1 to induce P2X4R-dependent long-term depression in the hippocampus

In recent years, evidence supporting non-ionotropic signalling by the NMDA receptor (niNMDAR) has emerged, including roles in long-term depression (LTD). Here, we investigated whether niNMDAR-pannexin-1 (Panx1) contributes to LTD at the CA3-CA1 hippocampal synapse. Using whole-cell, patch clamp electrophysiology in rat hippocampal slices, we show that a low-frequency stimulation (3 Hz) of the Schaffer collaterals produces LTD that is blocked by continuous but not transient application of the NMDAR competitive antagonist, MK-801. After transient MK-801, LTD involved pannexin-1 and sarcoma (Src) kinase. We show that pannexin-1 is not permeable to Ca²⁺, but probably releases ATP to induce LTD via P2X4 purinergic receptors because LTD after transient MK-801 application was prevented by 5-BDBD. Thus, we conclude that niNMDAR activation of Panx1 can link glutamatergic and purinergic pathways to produce LTD following low frequency synaptic stimulation when NMDARs are transiently inhibited. KEY POINTS: Differential effect of short-term D-APV and MK-801 application on long-term depression (LTD) suggests that the NMDA receptor (niNMDAR) contributes to later phases of synaptic depression. niNMDAR LTD involved sarcoma (Src) kinase and pannexin-1 (Panx1), which is a pathway previously identified to be active during excitotoxicity. Panx1 was not calcium permeable but may contribute to late phase LTD via ATP release. Panx1 blockers prevent LTD, and this was rescued with exogenous ATP application. Inhibition of LTD with 5-BDBD suggests the downstream involvement of postsynaptic P2X4 receptors.