Coactivation of pre- and postsynaptic signaling mechanisms determines cell-specific spike-timing-dependent plasticity

Neuron. 2007 Apr 19;54(2):291-301. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.03.026.

Abstract

Synapses may undergo long-term increases or decreases in synaptic strength dependent on critical differences in the timing between pre-and postsynaptic activity. Such spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) follows rules that govern how patterns of neural activity induce changes in synaptic strength. Synaptic plasticity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) follows Hebbian and anti-Hebbian patterns in a cell-specific manner. Here we show that these opposing responses to synaptic activity result from differential expression of two signaling pathways. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling underlies Hebbian postsynaptic LTP in principal cells. By contrast, in interneurons, a temporally precise anti-Hebbian synaptic spike-timing rule results from the combined effects of postsynaptic CaMKII-dependent LTP and endocannabinoid-dependent presynaptic LTD. Cell specificity in the circuit arises from selective targeting of presynaptic CB1 receptors in different axonal terminals. Hence, pre- and postsynaptic sites of expression determine both the sign and timing requirements of long-term plasticity in interneurons.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / physiology
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / physiology
  • Cochlear Nucleus / cytology
  • Cochlear Nucleus / physiology
  • Cochlear Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Electrophysiology
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology*
  • Freeze Substitution
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Learning / physiology
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / physiology
  • Receptors, Presynaptic / physiology*
  • Receptors, Presynaptic / ultrastructure
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptors, Presynaptic
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases