Homeostatic GABAergic Synaptic Scaling is Triggered by Changes in Spiking Activity, Not Neurotransmitter Receptor Activation

Konsep Inti

GABAergic synaptic scaling acts as a homeostatic mechanism to control neuronal spiking activity, in contrast to AMPAergic synaptic scaling which is not directly triggered by changes in spiking.

Abstrak

The content examines the mechanisms underlying homeostatic synaptic scaling, focusing on the differences between GABAergic and AMPAergic synaptic scaling.
Key highlights:

AMPAergic synaptic scaling does not appear to be a direct homeostatic mechanism for controlling spiking activity, as it is triggered by changes in neurotransmission rather than spiking levels.
In contrast, GABAergic synaptic scaling exhibits characteristics of a homeostatic mechanism for spiking activity:

It is triggered by changes in spiking activity, not neurotransmitter receptor activation.
It scales GABAergic synaptic strength in a multiplicative manner to maintain relative synaptic strengths.
Optogenetic restoration of spiking activity prevents GABAergic downscaling triggered by AMPAR blockade.
Increasing or decreasing spiking activity triggers GABAergic upscaling or downscaling, respectively.

The results suggest GABAergic synaptic scaling, rather than AMPAergic scaling, is a stronger candidate for a homeostatic mechanism controlling neuronal spiking activity.

Statistik

"Both activity blockade with TTX and AMPAergic blockade with CNQX triggered a dramatic compensatory reduction in mIPSC amplitude compared to control (untreated) cultures."
"Optogenetic restoration of spiking activity in the presence of AMPAR blockade prevented GABAergic downscaling observed in CNQX alone."
"CTZ treatment (dissolved in ethanol) led to an increase in mIPSC amplitude compared to ethanol control cultures."
"CTZ combined with TTX (in ethanol) produced a reduction of mIPSC amplitude compared to controls (ethanol) that was no different than TTX (nrbsl) alone."

Kutipan

"Here we show results that GABAergic scaling can act to homeostatically control spiking levels."
"Our results suggest that GABAergic scaling could serve as a homeostat for spiking activity."
"The results of our current study on GABAergic scaling and our previous study on AMPAergic scaling suggest these two forms of plasticity have distinct triggers and signaling pathways."

Wawasan Utama Disaring Dari

GABAergic synaptic scaling is triggered by changes in spiking activity rather than AMPA receptor activation

by Gonzalez-Isl... pada www.biorxiv.org 03-09-2023

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.03.08.531789v3

Pertanyaan yang Lebih Dalam

What other mechanisms, beyond GABAergic synaptic scaling, might contribute to the homeostatic control of neuronal spiking activity?

Homeostatic control of neuronal spiking activity involves a complex interplay of various mechanisms beyond GABAergic synaptic scaling. One crucial mechanism is AMPAergic synaptic scaling, which was initially thought to play a role in spiking homeostasis but has been shown to be more complex than originally thought. Additionally, NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), can also contribute to the regulation of neuronal excitability. These mechanisms involve changes in the strength of excitatory synapses and can help maintain a balance in network activity.
Furthermore, intrinsic excitability of neurons, mediated by ion channels and receptors, plays a significant role in regulating spiking activity. Changes in the expression or function of voltage-gated ion channels, such as potassium channels, sodium channels, and calcium channels, can impact the firing properties of neurons and contribute to homeostatic adjustments in spiking activity. Modulation of neurotransmitter release, such as through presynaptic mechanisms like vesicle release probability or postsynaptic mechanisms like receptor trafficking, can also influence neuronal excitability and contribute to homeostatic control.
Overall, the homeostatic control of neuronal spiking activity is a complex process that involves a combination of synaptic, intrinsic, and network-level mechanisms working together to maintain stable and adaptive neural function.

How might the distinct triggers and signaling pathways for GABAergic and AMPAergic synaptic scaling be integrated to maintain overall network excitability?

The distinct triggers and signaling pathways for GABAergic and AMPAergic synaptic scaling can be integrated to maintain overall network excitability through a coordinated and complementary regulatory system. While GABAergic scaling primarily responds to changes in spiking activity levels, AMPAergic scaling is more influenced by alterations in neurotransmission. By having these two mechanisms with different triggers, the network can achieve a fine-tuned balance in excitability.
When there is a perturbation in spiking activity, GABAergic scaling can quickly respond to adjust inhibitory synaptic strength, helping to stabilize network activity levels. On the other hand, AMPAergic scaling, which is more sensitive to changes in neurotransmission, can modulate excitatory synaptic strength to fine-tune the overall network activity. This dual mechanism allows for a dynamic and adaptive response to fluctuations in network activity, ensuring that the network maintains stable and appropriate levels of excitability.
Additionally, the integration of these mechanisms may involve cross-talk between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, as well as feedback loops that regulate the balance between excitation and inhibition. By coordinating the responses of GABAergic and AMPAergic scaling, the network can effectively regulate its activity levels and maintain overall network excitability within a functional range.

Could the insights from this study on homeostatic synaptic scaling inform our understanding of neurological disorders characterized by disruptions in excitability and inhibition?

The insights gained from studying homeostatic synaptic scaling, particularly the role of GABAergic scaling in regulating spiking activity, can provide valuable information for understanding neurological disorders characterized by disruptions in excitability and inhibition.
For example, in conditions like epilepsy where there is excessive neuronal excitability, understanding the mechanisms of GABAergic scaling could offer new therapeutic targets for restoring the balance between excitation and inhibition. By targeting GABAergic synaptic plasticity, it may be possible to modulate inhibitory control and reduce hyperexcitability in epileptic networks.
Similarly, in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or schizophrenia, where there are alterations in the balance of excitation and inhibition, insights into homeostatic synaptic scaling could shed light on the underlying mechanisms. By investigating how disruptions in GABAergic and AMPAergic scaling contribute to these disorders, researchers may uncover new strategies for restoring normal network function and improving symptoms associated with these conditions.
Overall, the study of homeostatic synaptic scaling has the potential to enhance our understanding of neurological disorders and pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions targeting excitability and inhibition imbalances in the brain.