Rapid redistribution of glutamate receptors contributes to long-term depression in hippocampal cultures

RC Carroll, DV Lissin, M Zastrow, RA Nicoll… - Nature …, 1999 - nature.com
RC Carroll, DV Lissin, M Zastrow, RA Nicoll, RC Malenka
Nature neuroscience, 1999nature.com
Synaptic strength can be altered by a variety of pre-or postsynaptic modifications. Here we
test the hypothesis that long-term depression (LTD) involves a decrease in the number of
glutamate receptors that are clustered at individual synapses in primary cultures of
hippocampal neurons. Similar to a prominent form of LTD observed in hippocampal slices,
LTD in hippocampal cultures required NMDA receptor activation and was accompanied by a
decrease in the amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents …
Abstract
Synaptic strength can be altered by a variety of pre-or postsynaptic modifications. Here we test the hypothesis that long-term depression (LTD) involves a decrease in the number of glutamate receptors that are clustered at individual synapses in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Similar to a prominent form of LTD observed in hippocampal slices, LTD in hippocampal cultures required NMDA receptor activation and was accompanied by a decrease in the amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that induction of LTD caused a concurrent decrease in the number of AMPA receptors clustered at synapses but had no effect on synaptic NMDA receptor clusters. These results suggest that a subtype-specific redistribution of synaptic glutamate receptors contributes to NMDA receptor-dependent LTD.
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