Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptors Promote Endocannabinoid Signaling at Parvalbumin Interneuron Synapses in the Nucleus Accumbens Core
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Synaptic plasticity is a key mechanism of learning and memory. Synaptic plasticity mechanisms within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediate differential behavioral adaptations. Feedforward inhibition in the NAc occurs when glutamatergic afferents onto medium spiny neurons (MSNs) collateralize onto fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons (PV-INs), which exert GABAergic control over MSN action potential generation. Here, we find that feedforward glutamatergic synapses onto PV-INs in the NAc core selectively express Ca 2+ -permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs). Ca 2+ influx by CP-AMPARs on PV-INs triggers long-term depression (LTD) mediated by endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling at presynaptic cannabinoid type-1 (CB 1 ) receptors (CB 1 Rs). Moreover, CP-AMPARs authorize tonic eCB signaling to negatively regulate glutamate release probability. Blockade of CP-AMPARs in the NAc core in vivo is sufficient to disinhibit locomotor output. These findings elucidate mechanisms by which PV-IN-embedded microcircuits in the NAc undergo activity-dependent shifts in synaptic strength.
Source: Cell Reports
Institutions: Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,200
Awards: Synaptic Mechanisms of Addiction-Related Behaviors in the Nucleus Accumbens, Medical Scientist Training Program, Overall: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at Vanderbilt, Photoperiodic Programming of Monoamine Brain Circuits, TIPS: Training in Perioperative Science, Medical Scientist Training Program, Parvalbumin interneurons regulate nucleus accumbens synapses and behavior
OpenAlex ID: W3045552511