Spike integration and cellular memory in a rhythmic network from Na+/K+ pump current dynamics

Nat Neurosci. 2010 Jan;13(1):53-9. doi: 10.1038/nn.2444. Epub 2009 Dec 6.

Abstract

The output of a neural circuit results from an interaction between the intrinsic properties of neurons in the circuit and the features of the synaptic connections between them. The plasticity of intrinsic properties has been primarily attributed to modification of ion channel function and/or number. We have found a mechanism for intrinsic plasticity in rhythmically active Drosophila neurons that was not based on changes in ion conductance. Larval motor neurons had a long-lasting, sodium-dependent afterhyperpolarization (AHP) following bursts of action potentials that was mediated by the electrogenic activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase. This AHP persisted for multiple seconds following volleys of action potentials and was able to function as a pattern-insensitive integrator of spike number that was independent of external calcium. This current also interacted with endogenous Shal K(+) conductances to modulate spike timing for multiple seconds following rhythmic activity, providing a cellular memory of network activity on a behaviorally relevant timescale.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Biophysics
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Ion Channel Gating / genetics
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology*
  • Ion Channels / genetics
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Larva
  • Locomotion / genetics
  • Locomotion / physiology
  • Models, Neurological
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques / methods
  • Periodicity*
  • Shal Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Shal Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / genetics
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / genetics
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Ion Channels
  • Shal Potassium Channels
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase
  • Calcium