Cl⁻ homeodynamics in gap junction-coupled astrocytic networks on activation of GABAergic synapses

J Physiol. 2013 Aug 15;591(16):3901-17. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.257162. Epub 2013 Jun 3.

Abstract

The electrophysiological properties and functional role of GABAergic signal transmission from neurons to the gap junction-coupled astrocytic network are still unclear. GABA-induced astrocytic Cl⁻ flux has been hypothesized to affect the driving force for GABAergic transmission by modulating [Cl⁻]o. Thus, revealing the properties of GABA-mediated astrocytic responses will deepen our understanding of GABAergic signal transmission. Here, we analysed the Cl⁻ dynamics of neurons and astrocytes in CA1 hippocampal GABAergic tripartite synapses, using Cl⁻ imaging during GABA application, and whole cell recordings from interneuron-astrocyte pairs in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Astrocytic [Cl⁻]i was adjusted to physiological conditions (40 mm). Although GABA application evoked bidirectional Cl⁻ flux via GABAA receptors and mouse GABA transporter 4 (mGAT4) in CA1 astrocytes, a train of interneuron firing induced only GABAA receptor-mediated inward currents in an adjacent astrocyte. A GAT1 inhibitor increased the interneuron firing-induced currents and induced bicuculline-insensitive, mGAT4 inhibitor-sensitive currents, suggesting that synaptic spillover of GABA predominantly induced the astrocytic Cl⁻ efflux because GABAA receptors are localized near the synaptic clefts. This GABA-induced Cl⁻ efflux was accompanied by Cl⁻ siphoning via the gap junctions of the astrocytic network because gap junction inhibitors significantly reduced the interneuron firing-induced currents. Thus, Cl⁻ efflux from astrocytes is homeostatically maintained within astrocytic networks. A gap junction inhibitor enhanced the activity-dependent depolarizing shifts of reversal potential of neuronal IPSCs evoked by repetitive stimulation to GABAergic synapses. These results suggest that Cl⁻ conductance within the astrocytic network may contribute to maintaining GABAergic synaptic transmission by regulating [Cl⁻]o.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / physiology*
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / cytology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / physiology
  • Chlorides / physiology*
  • Gap Junctions / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid