Astrocyte-mediated switch in spike timing-dependent plasticity during hippocampal development

Nat Commun. 2020 Sep 1;11(1):4388. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18024-4.

Abstract

Presynaptic spike timing-dependent long-term depression (t-LTD) at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses is evident until the 3rd postnatal week in mice, disappearing during the 4th week. At more mature stages, we found that the protocol that induced t-LTD induced t-LTP. We characterized this form of t-LTP and the mechanisms involved in its induction, as well as that driving this switch from t-LTD to t-LTP. We found that this t-LTP is expressed presynaptically at CA3-CA1 synapses, as witnessed by coefficient of variation, number of failures, paired-pulse ratio and miniature responses analysis. Additionally, this form of presynaptic t-LTP does not require NMDARs but the activation of mGluRs and the entry of Ca2+ into the postsynaptic neuron through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Nitric oxide is also required as a messenger from the postsynaptic neuron. Crucially, the release of adenosine and glutamate by astrocytes is required for t-LTP induction and for the switch from t-LTD to t-LTP. Thus, we have discovered a developmental switch of synaptic transmission from t-LTD to t-LTP at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses in which astrocytes play a central role and revealed a form of presynaptic LTP and the rules for its induction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • Hippocampus / growth & development*
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Adenosine