Enhanced CB1 receptor function in GABAergic neurons mediates hyperexcitability and impaired sensory-driven synchrony...

Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and the mouse model of FXS ( Fmr1 KO) display cortical hyperexcitability at rest, as well as deficits in sensory-driven cortical network synchrony. A form of circuit hyperexcitability is observed in ex vivo cortical slices of Fmr1 KO mice as prolonged persistent activity, or Up, states. It is unknown if the circuit mechanisms that cause prolonged Up states contribute to FXS-relevant EEG phenotypes. Here we examined the role of endocannabinoids (eCB) in prolonged Up states in slices and resting and sensory-driven EEG phenotypes in awake Fmr1 KO mice. Bidirectional changes in eCB function are reported in the Fmr1 KO that depend on synapse type (excitatory or inhibitory). We demonstrate that pharmacological or genetic reduction of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1R) in GABAergic neurons rescues prolonged cortical Up states and deficits in sensory-driven cortical synchrony in Fmr1 KO mice. In support of these findings, recordings from Fmr1 KO cortical Layer (L) 2/3 pyramidal neurons revealed enhanced CB1R-mediated suppression of inhibitory synaptic currents. In contrast, genetic reduction of Cnr1 in glutamatergic neurons did not affect Up state duration, but deletion of Fmr1 in the same neurons was sufficient to cause long Up states. These findings support a model where loss of Fmr1 in glutamatergic neurons leads to enhanced CB1R-mediated suppression of GABAergic synaptic transmission, prolonged cortical circuit activation and reduced sensory-driven circuit synchronization. Results suggest that antagonism of CB1Rs as a therapeutic strategy to correct sensory processing deficits in FXS.