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Postnatal development of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-expressing GABAergic interneurons in mouse somatosensory
Clara A Simacek1, Sergei Kirischuk1, Thomas Mittmann1
1Institute for Physiology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England)
|January 13, 2025
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive interneurons (VIP-INs) mature to integrate signals faster and avoid overexcitation. Synaptic transmission strengthens and shortens through distinct alterations, likely aiding active whisking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Cortical Circuitry
Background:
- Dysfunctional vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-positive interneurons (VIP-INs) are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The precise developmental trajectory of VIP-IN function and network integration is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the temporal profile of VIP-IN functional maturation.
- To investigate the integration of VIP-INs into developing cortical networks.
Main Methods:
- Patch clamp electrophysiology was used to study VIP-IN development in mouse somatosensory cortex.
- Experiments were conducted across distinct postnatal developmental stages (P3-4, P8-10, P14-16, P30-36).
Main Results:
- VIP-INs exhibit maturation in passive and active membrane properties, leading to accelerated signal integration.
- Excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs and IPSCs) demonstrate progressive network integration, with distinct timing for miniature EPSC and IPSC frequency increases.
- Synaptic transmission (eEPSCs and eIPSCs) shows increased amplitude and altered kinetics, with changes in presynaptic release probability observed over development.
Conclusions:
- VIP-INs mature towards faster signal integration, employing strategies to prevent network overexcitation.
- Both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission undergo pre- and postsynaptic modifications, becoming stronger and faster.
- These developmental changes in VIP-INs likely contribute to the emergence of active whisking behaviors.
