Laminar difference in GABA uptake and GAT-1 expression in rat CA1

Towards a Better Understanding of GABAergic Remodeling in Alzheimer's Disease

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. In the past, there has been a major research drive focused on the dysfunction of the glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is now growing evidence in support of a GABAergic contribution to the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. Previous studies paint a complex, convoluted and often inconsistent picture of AD-associated GABAergic remodeling. Given the importance of the GABAergic system in neuronal function and homeostasis, in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance, and in the processes of learning and memory, such changes in GABAergic function could be an important factor in both early and later stages of AD pathogenesis. Given the limited scope of currently available therapies in modifying the course of the disease, a better understanding of GABAergic remodeling in AD could open up innovative and novel therapeutic opportunities.

Epileptiform activity and spreading depolarization in the blood-brain barrier-disrupted peri-infarct hippocampus are associated with impaired GABAergic inhibition and synaptic plasticity

Peri-infarct opening of the blood-brain barrier may be associated with spreading depolarizations, seizures, and epileptogenesis as well as cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying neural network pathophysiology in the blood-brain barrier-dysfunctional hippocampus. Photothrombotic stroke within the rat neocortex was associated with increased intracranial pressure, vasogenic edema, and peri-ischemic blood-brain barrier dysfunction that included the ipsilateral hippocampus. Intrahippocampal recordings revealed electrographic seizures within the first week in two-thirds of animals, accompanied by a reduction in gamma and increase in theta frequency bands. Synaptic interactions were studied in parasagittal hippocampal slices at 24 h and seven days post-stroke. Field potential recordings in CA1 and CA3 uncovered multiple population spikes, epileptiform episodes, and spreading depolarizations at 24 h. Input-output analysis revealed that fEPSP-spike coupling was significantly enhanced at seven days. In addition, CA1 feedback and feedforward inhibition were diminished. Slices generating epileptiform activity at seven days revealed impaired bidirectional long-term plasticity following high and low-frequency stimulation protocols. Microarray and PCR data confirmed changes in expression of astrocyte-related genes and suggested downregulation in expression of GABA_A-receptor subunits. We conclude that blood-brain barrier dysfunction in the peri-infarct hippocampus is associated with early disinhibition, hyperexcitability, and abnormal synaptic plasticity.

Structure, function, and plasticity of GABA transporters

GABA transporters belong to a large family of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters. They are widely expressed throughout the brain, with different levels of expression in different brain regions. GABA transporters are present in neurons and in astrocytes and their activity is crucial to regulate the extracellular concentration of GABA under basal conditions and during ongoing synaptic events. Numerous efforts have been devoted to determine the structural and functional properties of GABA transporters. There is also evidence that the expression of GABA transporters on the cell membrane and their lateral mobility can be modulated by different intracellular signaling cascades. The strength of individual synaptic contacts and the activity of entire neuronal networks may be finely tuned by altering the density, distribution and diffusion rate of GABA transporters within the cell membrane. These findings are intriguing because they suggest the existence of complex regulatory systems that control the plasticity of GABAergic transmission in the brain. Here we review the current knowledge on the structural and functional properties of GABA transporters and highlight the molecular mechanisms that alter the expression and mobility of GABA transporters at central synapses.

Tonic GABAA conductance decreases membrane time constant and increases EPSP-spike precision in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Because of a complex dendritic structure, pyramidal neurons have a large membrane surface relative to other cells and so a large electrical capacitance and a large membrane time constant (τ_m). This results in slow depolarizations in response to excitatory synaptic inputs, and consequently increased and variable action potential latencies, which may be computationally undesirable. Tonic activation of GABA_A receptors increases membrane conductance and thus regulates neuronal excitability by shunting inhibition. In addition, tonic increases in membrane conductance decrease the membrane time constant (τ_m), and improve the temporal fidelity of neuronal firing. Here we performed whole-cell current clamp recordings from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and found that bath application of 10μM GABA indeed decreases τ_m in these cells. GABA also decreased first spike latency and jitter (standard deviation of the latency) produced by current injection of 2 rheobases (500 ms). However, when larger current injections (3–6 rheobases) were used, GABA produced no significant effect on spike jitter, which was low. Using mathematical modeling we demonstrate that the tonic GABA_A conductance decreases rise time, decay time and half-width of EPSPs in pyramidal neurons. A similar effect was observed on EPSP/IPSP pairs produced by stimulation of Schaffer collaterals: the EPSP part of the response became shorter after application of GABA. Consistent with the current injection data, a significant decrease in spike latency and jitter was obtained in cell attached recordings only at near-threshold stimulation (50% success rate, S₅₀). When stimulation was increased to 2- or 3- times S₅₀, GABA significantly affected neither spike latency nor spike jitter. Our results suggest that a decrease in τ_m associated with elevations in ambient GABA can improve EPSP-spike precision at near-threshold synaptic inputs.

A quantitative analysis of cellular and synaptic localization of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in rat neocortex

High-affinity plasma membrane GABA transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3 contribute to the modulation of GABA-mediated inhibition in adult mammalian cerebral cortex. How GATs regulate inhibition in neocortical circuits remains however poorly understood for the lack of information on key localizational features. In this study, we used quantitative pre- and post-embedding electron microscopy to define the distribution of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in elements contributing to synapses and to unveil their ultrastructural organization at adult cortical GABAergic synapses. GAT-1 and GAT-3 were found in both neuronal and astrocytic processes: GAT-1 was prevalently segregated in neuronal elements and in profiles contributing to synapses, whereas GAT-3 was mostly expressed in astrocytes and did not exhibit a preferential distribution in elements contributing to synapses. Analysis of the ultrastructural distribution of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in the plasma membrane of axon terminals and perisynaptic astrocytic processes of symmetric synapses in relation to the active zone revealed that GAT-1 was more concentrated in restricted perisynaptic and extrasynaptic regions, whereas GAT-3 was prominent in extrasynaptic areas. These studies provide a basis for understanding the role GAT-1 and GAT-3 play in the modulation of GABA-mediated phasic and tonic inhibition in cerebral cortex.

Astrocytes potentiate GABAergic transmission in the thalamic reticular nucleus via endozepine signaling

Emerging evidence indicates that diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) mediates an endogenous benzodiazepine-mimicking (endozepine) effect on synaptic inhibition in the thalamic reticular nucleus (nRT). Here we demonstrate that DBI peptide colocalizes with both astrocytic and neuronal markers in mouse nRT, and investigate the role of astrocytic function in endozepine modulation in this nucleus by testing the effects of the gliotoxin fluorocitrate (FC) on synaptic inhibition and endozepine signaling in the nRT using patch-clamp recordings. FC treatment reduced the effective inhibitory charge of GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in WT mice, indicating that astrocytes enhance GABAAR responses in the nRT. This effect was abolished by both a point mutation that inhibits classical benzodiazepine binding to GABAARs containing the α3 subunit (predominant in the nRT) and a chromosomal deletion that removes the Dbi gene. Thus, astrocytes are required for positive allosteric modulation via the α3 subunit benzodiazepine-binding site by DBI peptide family endozepines. Outside-out sniffer patches pulled from neurons in the adjacent ventrobasal nucleus, which does not contain endozepines, show a potentiated response to laser photostimulation of caged GABA when placed in the nRT. FC treatment blocked the nRT-dependent potentiation of this response, as did the benzodiazepine site antagonist flumazenil. When sniffer patches were placed in the ventrobasal nucleus, however, subsequent treatment with FC led to potentiation of the uncaged GABA response, suggesting nucleus-specific roles for thalamic astrocytes in regulating inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that astrocytes are required for endozepine actions in the nRT, and as such can be positive modulators of synaptic inhibition.

Tonic GABA inhibition in hippocampal dentate granule cells: its regulation and function in temporal lobe epilepsies

Both human and experimental evidence strongly supports the view of brain region- and cell-specific changes in tonic GABA inhibition in temporal lobe epilepsies (TLE). This 'tonic' form of signalling is not time-locked to presynaptic action potentials, which depends upon detection of ambient GABA by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAA Rs). Extrasynaptic GABAA Rs have distinct physiological and pharmacological features, including high GABA-binding affinity and low desensitization and a variety of the specific subunit combinations (α4δ-,α6δ-,α5γ-,ε-containing receptors). These features closely contribute to the function of tonic GABA current, which is preserved properly or increased in dentate gyrus in models of TLE, even in the face of a loss of synaptic inhibition and inhibitory interneurones. Markedly reduced tonic GABA inhibition may facilitate an episode of epilepsy, while persistent elevated tonic inhibition may contribute to the onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures. In dentate granule cells, tonic GABA inhibition is positively modulated by endogenous neurosteroids and other factors, which undergo changes related to hormonal status after TLE. Tonic inhibition regulates neuronal excitability through its effects on membrane potential by both offsetting the threshold and reducing the frequency of action potentials and input resistance. Therefore, extrasynaptic GABAA Rs are expected to be the most important pharmacological targets in TLE. It is likely that both elevate the ambient GABA concentration and potentiate the tonic currents, contributing to the antiepileptic effects.

Molecular mechanisms of antiseizure drug activity at GABAA receptors

The GABAA receptor (GABAAR) is a major target of antiseizure drugs (ASDs). A variety of agents that act at GABAARs s are used to terminate or prevent seizures. Many act at distinct receptor sites determined by the subunit composition of the holoreceptor. For the benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and loreclezole, actions at the GABAAR are the primary or only known mechanism of antiseizure action. For topiramate, felbamate, retigabine, losigamone and stiripentol, GABAAR modulation is one of several possible antiseizure mechanisms. Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite that enhances GABAAR function, led to the development of ganaxolone. Other agents modulate GABAergic "tone" by regulating the synthesis, transport or breakdown of GABA. GABAAR efficacy is also affected by the transmembrane chloride gradient, which changes during development and in chronic epilepsy. This may provide an additional target for "GABAergic" ASDs. GABAAR subunit changes occur both acutely during status epilepticus and in chronic epilepsy, which alter both intrinsic GABAAR function and the response to GABAAR-acting ASDs. Manipulation of subunit expression patterns or novel ASDs targeting the altered receptors may provide a novel approach for seizure prevention.

Dual mechanisms diminishing tonic GABAA inhibition of dentate gyrus granule cells in Noda epileptic rats

The Noda epileptic rat (NER), a Wistar colony mutant, spontaneously has tonic-clonic convulsions with paroxysmal discharges. In the present study, we measured phasic and tonic γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) current (I tonic) in NER hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells and compared the results with those of normal parent strain Wistar rats (WIS). I tonic, revealed by a bicuculline-induced outward shift in holding current, was significantly smaller in NER than in WIS (P < 0.01). The frequency of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) was also significantly lower in NER than in WIS (P < 0.05), without significant differences in the IPSC amplitude or decay time between WIS and NER. I tonic attenuation in NER was further confirmed in the presence of GABA transporter blockers, NO-711 and nipecotic acid, with no difference in neuronal GABA transporter expression between WIS and NER. I tonic responses to extrasynaptic GABAA receptor agonists (THIP and DS-2) were significantly reduced in NER compared with WIS (P < 0.05). Allopregnanolone caused less I tonic increase in NER than in WIS, while it prolonged the IPSC decay time to a similar rate in the two groups. Expression of the GABAA receptor δ-subunit was decreased in the dentate gyrus of NER relative to that of WIS. Taken together, our results showed that a combination of attenuated presynaptic GABA release and extrasynaptic GABAA receptor expression reduced I tonic amplitude and its sensitivity to neurosteroids, which likely diminishes the gating function of dentate gyrus granule cells and renders NER more susceptible to seizure propagation.

Effects of the GABA-uptake blocker NNC-711 on spontaneous sharp wave-ripple complexes in mouse hippocampal slices

The precise temporal and spatial activity patterns of neurons in cortical networks are organized by different state-dependent types of network oscillations. GABAergic inhibition plays a key role in the underlying mechanisms of such oscillations and it has been suggested that the duration of widely distributed phasic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) determines the frequency of the resulting network oscillation. Here, we test this hypothesis in an in vitro model of sharp wave-ripple (SPW-R) complexes, a particularly fast pattern of network oscillations at ∼200 Hz which is involved in memory consolidation. We recorded SPW-R in mouse hippocampal slices in the absence and presence of NCC-711, an inhibitor of GABA uptake. The resulting prolongation of IPSP resulted in reduced occurrence of SPW-R, whereas the superimposed fast oscillations as well as the precision of rhythmic cell synchronization remained stable. Application of Diazepam which is a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor led to consistent results. We conclude that phasic inhibition is a major regulator of network excitability in CA3 (where SPW-Rs are generated), but does not set the frequency of hippocampal ripples.

A circuit-based gatekeeper for adult neural stem cell proliferation: Parvalbumin-expressing interneurons of the dentate gyrus control the activation and proliferation of quiescent adult neural stem cells

Newborn neurons are generated in the adult hippocampus from a pool of self-renewing stem cells located in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus. Their activation, proliferation, and maturation depend on a host of environmental and cellular factors but, until recently, the contribution of local neuronal circuitry to this process was relatively unknown. In their recent publication, Song and colleagues have uncovered a novel circuit-based mechanism by which release of the neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), from parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons, can hold radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells of the adult SGZ in a quiescent state. This tonic GABAergic signal, dependent upon the activation of γ(2) subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors of RGL stem cells, can thus prevent their proliferation and subsequent maturation or return them to quiescence if previously activated. PV interneurons are thus capable of suppressing neurogenesis during periods of high network activity and facilitating neurogenesis when network activity is low.

A TRP among the astrocytes

TRP channels were first identified as membrane proteins mediating phototransduction in fruit flies. Astrocytes were initially referred to as the silent elements of the nervous system. At the time these discoveries were made, few would have suspected TRP channels and astrocytes could contribute significantly to our understanding of brain signalling. Recent findings, however, put TRP channels and astrocytes in the spotlight, describe their ability to modulate the activity of specific sets of synapses, and raise some interesting questions. What makes astrocytes capable of exerting cell-specific effects on interneuronal signals? How do different synapses respond to changes in astrocytic function and in the local micro-structure of the neuropil? Can astrocytes be considered good candidate targets for therapeutic intervention to treat neurological diseases? Here I discuss the recent developments on TRP channels and astrocytes that have made us aware of the many structural and functional features of synapses that still need to be discovered and that could lead a new avant-garde in decoding the cellular and molecular basis of brain (dys)function.

GABA transporter subtype 1 and GABA transporter subtype 3 modulate glutamatergic transmission via activation of presynaptic GABA(B) receptors in the rat globus pallidus

The intra-pallidal application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter subtype 1 (GAT-1) or GABA transporter subtype 3 (GAT-3) transporter blockers [1-(4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (SKF 89976A) or 1-[2-[tris(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-(S)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (SNAP 5114)] reduces the activity of pallidal neurons in monkey. This effect could be mediated through the activation of presynaptic GABA(B) heteroreceptors in glutamatergic terminals by GABA spillover following GABA transporter (GAT) blockade. To test this hypothesis, we applied the whole-cell recording technique to study the effects of SKF 89976A and SNAP 5114 on evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) in the presence of gabazine, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, in rat globus pallidus slice preparations. Under the condition of postsynaptic GABA(B) receptor blockade by the intra-cellular application of N-(2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoylmethyl)-triethylammonium bromide (OX314), bath application of SKF 89976A (10 μM) or SNAP 5114 (10 μM) decreased the amplitude of eEPSCs, without a significant effect on its holding current and whole cell input resistance. The inhibitory effect of GAT blockade on eEPSCs was blocked by (2S)-3-[[(1S)-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]amino-2-hydroxypropyl](phenylmethyl)phosphinic acid, a GABA(B) receptor antagonist. The paired-pulse ratio of eEPSCs was increased, whereas the frequency, but not the amplitude, of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents was reduced in the presence of either GAT blocker, demonstrating a presynaptic effect. These results suggest that synaptically released GABA can inhibit glutamatergic transmission through the activation of presynaptic GABA(B) heteroreceptors following GAT-1 or GAT-3 blockade. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that presynaptic GABA(B) heteroreceptors in putative glutamatergic subthalamic afferents to the globus pallidus are sensitive to increases in extracellular GABA induced by GAT inactivation, thereby suggesting that GAT blockade represents a potential mechanism by which overactive subthalamopallidal activity may be reduced in parkinsonism.

Post-weaning social isolation and subchronic NMDA glutamate receptor blockade: effects on locomotor activity and GABA signaling in the rat suggest independent mechanisms

Animal models of schizophrenia symptoms include administration of noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonists, such as MK-801, and post-weaning social isolation (SI). We tested the hypothesis that a "double-hit" model, in which MK-801 administration during adulthood [post-natal day (P) 56-62] and SI are combined, produces greater behavioral and neurochemical effects than either insult alone. Rats obtained at weaning (P21) were either SI (n=21) or group housed (n=16) for the duration of the experiment. Subgroups received subchronic treatment with MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg i.p., 2 times daily for 7 days) or saline injections from P56-62. At P70, all groups were tested for locomotor activity and subsequently sacrificed to assess GAT-1 activity and GABA(A) receptor expression in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. SI resulted in increased locomotor activity, GAT-1 activity in frontal cortex and hippocampus and GABA(A) receptor expression in the frontal cortex; MK-801 increased GABA(A) receptor expression in the hippocampus. Activity changes were correlated with changes in hippocampal GAT-1 and frontocortical GABA(A) receptor number. There was no evidence that the double-hit produced a greater effect. Increased GAT-1 activity may be associated with suppression of GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission and increased GABA(A) receptor expression may be a compensatory response to decreased availability of GABA. Results suggest that SI and subchronic MK-801 may act through independent mechanisms.

Localization and Function of GABA Transporters GAT-1 and GAT-3 in the Basal Ganglia

GABA transporter type 1 and 3 (GAT-1 and GAT-3, respectively) are the two main subtypes of GATs responsible for the regulation of extracellular GABA levels in the central nervous system. These transporters are widely expressed in neuronal (mainly GAT-1) and glial (mainly GAT-3) elements throughout the brain, but most data obtained so far relate to their role in the regulation of GABA(A) receptor-mediated postsynaptic tonic and phasic inhibition in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Taking into consideration the key role of GABAergic transmission within basal ganglia networks, and the importance for these systems to be properly balanced to mediate normal basal ganglia function, we analyzed in detail the localization and function of GAT-1 and GAT-3 in the globus pallidus of normal and Parkinsonian animals, in order to further understand the substrate and possible mechanisms by which GABA transporters may regulate basal ganglia outflow, and may become relevant targets for new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of basal ganglia-related disorders. In this review, we describe the general features of GATs in the basal ganglia, and give a detailed account of recent evidence that GAT-1 and GAT-3 regulation can have a major impact on the firing rate and pattern of basal ganglia neurons through pre- and post-synaptic GABA(A)- and GABA(B)-receptor-mediated effects.

Differential localization and function of GABA transporters, GAT-1 and GAT-3, in the rat globus pallidus

GABA transporter subtype 1 (GAT-1) and GABA transporter subtype 3 (GAT-3) are the main transporters that regulate inhibitory GABAergic transmission in the mammalian brain through GABA reuptake. In this study, we characterized the ultrastructural localizations and determined the respective roles of these transporters in regulating evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in globus pallidus (GP) neurons after striatal stimulation. In the young and adult rat GP, GAT-1 was preferentially expressed in unmyelinated axons, whereas GAT-3 was almost exclusively found in glial processes. Except for rare instances of GAT-1 localization, neither of the two transporters was significantly expressed in GABAergic terminals in the rat GP. 1-(4,4-Diphenyl-3-butenyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (SKF 89976A) (10 μm), a GAT-1 inhibitor, significantly prolonged the decay time, but did not affect the amplitude, of eIPSCs induced by striatal stimulation (15-20 V). On the other hand, the semi-selective GAT-3 inhibitor 1-(2-[tris(4-methoxyphenyl)methoxy]ethyl)-(S)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (SNAP 5114) (10 μm) increased the amplitude and prolonged the decay time of eIPSCs. The effects of transporter blockade on the decay time and amplitude of eIPSCs were further increased when both inhibitors were applied together. Furthermore, SKF 89976A or SNAP 5114 blockade also increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous IPSCs, but did not affect miniature IPSCs. Significant GABA(A) receptor-mediated tonic currents were induced in the presence of high concentrations of both SKF 89976A (30 μm) and SNAP 5114 (30 μm). In conclusion, these data indicate that GAT-1 and GAT-3 represent different target sites through which GABA reuptake may subserve complementary regulation of GABAergic transmission in the rat GP.

Modulation and function of the autaptic connections of layer V fast spiking interneurons in the rat neocortex

Neocortical fast-spiking (FS) basket cells form dense autaptic connections that provide inhibitory GABAergic feedback after each action potential. It has been suggested that these autaptic connections are used because synaptic communication is sensitive to neuromodulation, unlike the voltage-sensitive potassium channels in FS cells. Here we show that layer V FS interneurons form autaptic connections that are largely perisomatic, and without perturbing intracellular Cl(-) homeostasis, that perisomatic GABAergic currents have a reversal potential of 78 +/- 4 mV. Using variance-mean analysis, we demonstrate that autaptic connections have a mean of 14 release sites (range 4-26) with a quantal amplitude of 101 +/- 16 pA and a probability of release of 0.64 (V(command) = 70 mV, [Ca(2+)](o) = 2 mM, [Mg(2+)](o) = 1 mM). We found that autaptic GABA release is sensitive to GABA(B) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, but not a range of other classical neuromodulators. Our results indicate that GABA transporters do not regulate FS interneuron autapses, yet autaptically released GABA does not act at GABA(B) or extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors. This research confirms that the autaptic connections of FS cells are indeed susceptible to modulation, though only via specific GABAergic and cholinergic mechanisms.

Neurotransmitter transporters expressed in glial cells as regulators of synapse function

Synaptic neurotransmission at high temporal and spatial resolutions requires efficient removal and/or inactivation of presynaptically released transmitter to prevent spatial spreading of transmitter by diffusion and allow for fast termination of the postsynaptic response. This action must be carefully regulated to result in the fine tuning of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, necessary for the proper processing of information in the central nervous system. At many synapses, high-affinity neurotransmitter transporters are responsible for transmitter deactivation by removing it from the synaptic cleft. The most prevailing neurotransmitters, glutamate, which mediates excitatory neurotransmission, as well as GABA and glycine, which act as inhibitory neurotransmitters, use these uptake systems. Neurotransmitter transporters have been found in both neuronal and glial cells, thus suggesting high cooperativity between these cell types in the control of extracellular transmitter concentrations. The generation and analysis of animals carrying targeted disruptions of transporter genes together with the use of selective inhibitors have allowed examining the contribution of individual transporter subtypes to synaptic transmission. This revealed the predominant role of glial expressed transporters in maintaining low extrasynaptic neurotransmitter levels. Additionally, transport activity has been shown to be actively regulated on both transcriptional and post-translational levels, which has important implications for synapse function under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The analysis of these mechanisms will enhance not only our understanding of synapse function but will reveal new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human neurological diseases.

Modulation of spontaneous and GABA-evoked tonic alpha4beta3delta and alpha4beta3gamma2L GABAA receptor currents by protein kinase A

Protein kinase A (PKA) has been reported to regulate synaptic alphabetagamma gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor currents, but whether PKA regulates GABA(A) receptor peri- and extrasynaptic tonic currents is unknown. GABA(A) receptors containing alpha4 subunits are important in mediating tonic inhibition and exist as both alpha4betadelta and alpha4betagamma receptors in the brain. To mimic GABA-independent and GABA-dependent tonic currents, we transfected HEK 293T cells with alpha4beta3delta or alpha4beta3gamma2L subunits and recorded spontaneous currents in the absence of applied GABA and steady-state currents in the presence of 1 muM GABA. Both alpha4beta3delta and alpha4beta3gamma2L receptors displayed spontaneous currents, but PKA activation increased spontaneous alpha4beta3delta currents substantially more than spontaneous alpha4beta3gamma2L currents. The increase in spontaneous alpha4beta3delta currents was due to an increase in single-channel open frequency. In contrast, PKA activation did not alter steady-state tonic currents recorded in the presence of 1 muM GABA. We concluded that PKA had a GABA concentration-dependent effect on alpha4beta3delta and alpha4beta3gamma2L currents. In the absence of GABA, spontaneous alpha4beta3delta and, to a lesser extent, alpha4beta3gamma2L currents could provide a basal, tonic current that could be regulated by PKA. With increasing concentrations of extracellular GABA, however, tonic alpha4beta3delta and alpha4beta3gamma2L currents would become more GABA dependent and less PKA sensitive. Thus in brain regions with fluctuating extracellular GABA levels, the dynamic range of GABA-activated tonic currents would be set by PKA and the increase in tonic current produced by increasing GABA would be reduced by PKA-mediated phosphorylation. When ambient GABA reaches micromolar concentrations, PKA would have no effect on steady-state tonic currents.

Regulation of tonic GABA inhibitory function, presympathetic neuronal activity and sympathetic outflow from the paraventricular nucleus by astroglial GABA transporters

Neuronal activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as sympathetic outflow from the PVN, is basally restrained by a GABAergic inhibitory tone. We recently showed that two complementary GABA(A) receptor-mediated modalities underlie inhibition of PVN neuronal activity: a synaptic, quantal inhibitory modality (IPSCs, I(phasic)) and a sustained, non-inactivating modality (I(tonic)). Here, we investigated the role of neuronal and/or glial GABA transporters (GATs) in modulating these inhibitory modalities, and assessed their impact on the activity of RVLM-projecting PVN neurons (PVN-RVLM neurons), and on PVN influence of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Patch-clamp recordings were obtained from retrogradely labelled PVN-RVLM neurons in a slice preparation. The non-selective GAT blocker nipecotic acid (100-300 microM) caused a large increase in GABA(A)I(tonic), and reduced IPSC frequency. These effects were replicated by beta-alanine (100 microM), but not by SKF 89976A (30 microM), relatively selective blockers of GAT3 and GAT1 isoforms, respectively. Similar effects were evoked by the gliotoxin L-alpha-aminodipic acid (2 mM). GAT blockade attenuated the firing activity of PVN-RVLM neurons. Moreover, PVN microinjections of nipecotic acid in the whole animal diminished ongoing RSNA. A robust GAT3 immunoreactivity was observed in the PVN, which partially colocalized with the glial marker GFAP. Altogether, our results indicate that by modulating ambient GABA levels and the efficacy of GABA(A)I(tonic), PVN GATs, of a likely glial location, contribute to setting a basal tone of PVN-RVLM firing activity, and PVN-driven RSNA.

Selective gating of glutamatergic inputs to excitatory neurons of amygdala by presynaptic GABAb receptor

GABAb receptor (GABAbR)-mediated suppression of glutamate release is critical for limiting glutamatergic transmission across the central nervous system (CNS). Here we show that, upon tetanic stimulation of afferents to lateral amygdala, presynaptic GABAbR-mediated inhibition only occurs in glutamatergic inputs to principle neurons (PNs), not to interneurons (INs), despite the presence of GABAbR in terminals to both types of neurons. The selectivity is caused by differential local GABA accumulation; it requires GABA reuptake and parallels distinct spatial distributions of presynaptic GABAbR in terminals to PNs and INs. Moreover, GABAbR-mediated suppression of theta-burst-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) occurs only in the inputs to PNs, not to INs. Thus, target-cell-specific control of glutamate release by presynaptic GABAbR orchestrates the inhibitory dominance inside amygdala and might contribute to prevention of nonadaptive defensive behaviors.

Activin tunes GABAergic neurotransmission and modulates anxiety-like behavior

Activin, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, affords neuroprotection in acute brain injury, but its physiological functions in normal adult brain are largely unknown. Using transgenic (tg) mice expressing a dominant-negative activin receptor mutant under the control of the CaMKIIalpha promoter in forebrain neurons, we identified activin as a key regulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapses and anxiety-like behavior. In the open field, wild-type (wt) and tg mice did not differ in spontaneous locomotion and exploration behavior. However, tg mice visited inner fields significantly more often than wt mice. In the light-dark exploration test, tg mice made more exits, spent significantly more time on a well-lit elevated bar and went farther away from the dark box as compared to wt mice. In addition, the anxiolytic effect of diazepam was abrogated in tg mice. Thus the disruption of activin receptor signaling produced a low-anxiety phenotype that failed to respond to benzodiazepines. In whole-cell recordings from hippocampal pyramidal cells, enhanced spontaneous GABA release, increased GABA tonus, reduced benzodiazepine sensitivity and augmented GABA(B) receptor function emerged as likely substrates of the low-anxiety phenotype. These data provide strong evidence that activin influences pre- and postsynaptic components of GABAergic synapses in a highly synergistic fashion. Given the crucial role of GABAergic neurotransmission in emotional states, anxiety and depression, dysfunctions of activin receptor signaling could be involved in affective disorders: and drugs affecting this pathway might show promise for psychopharmacological treatment.

Turnover rate of the gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter GAT1

We combined electrophysiological and freeze-fracture methods to estimate the unitary turnover rate of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT1. Human GAT1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and individual cells were used to measure and correlate the macroscopic rate of GABA transport and the total number of transporters in the plasma membrane. The two-electrode voltage-clamp method was used to measure the transporter-mediated macroscopic current evoked by GABA (I(NaCl)(GABA)), macroscopic charge movements (Q (NaCl)) evoked by voltage pulses and whole-cell capacitance. The same cells were then examined by freeze-fracture and electron microscopy in order to estimate the total number of GAT1 copies in the plasma membrane. GAT1 expression in the plasma membrane led to the appearance of a distinct population of 9-nm freeze-fracture particles which represented GAT1 dimers. There was a direct correlation between Q (NaCl) and the total number of transporters in the plasma membrane. This relationship yielded an apparent valence of 8 +/- 1 elementary charges per GAT1 particle. Assuming that the monomer is the functional unit, we obtained 4 +/- 1 elementary charges per GAT1 monomer. This information and the relationship between I(NaCl)(GABA) and Q (NaCl) were used to estimate a GAT1 unitary turnover rate of 15 +/- 2 s(-1) (21 degrees C, -50 mV). The temperature and voltage dependence of GAT1 were used to estimate the physiological turnover rate to be 79-93 s(-1) (37 degrees C, -50 to -90 mV).

Substrate-mediated regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 in rat brain

The uptake of neurotransmitter by plasma membrane transporters is a principal method for regulating extracellular transmitter levels. Neurotransmitter-mediated signals in turn are able to regulate transporter expression and function. Thus, there is a continual interplay between transporters and the transmitters they transport. Previously we showed that extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increases the expression of the GABA transporter 1 (GAT1) on a time scale of minutes by acting via the transporter to slow transporter internalization. This mechanism requires in part direct tyrosine phosphorylation of the transporter. In the present study we show that the presence of GABA on a longer time scale causes a net decrease in GAT surface expression. The decrease in expression represents the contributions of transporter-mediated up-regulation and a more substantial GABA-receptor-mediated down-regulation. This receptor-mediated down-regulation is the result of both changes in the rates of transporter trafficking and in the number of transporters available for trafficking. As with transporter-mediated regulation of GAT1, the receptor-mediated regulation is associated with changes in the direct phosphorylation of GAT1. These data suggest that multiple pathways, perhaps converging upon mechanisms involving protein phosphorylation, act to regulate GAT1 expression in neurons.

The main source of ambient GABA responsible for tonic inhibition in the mouse hippocampus

The extracellular space of the brain contains gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that activates extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors mediating tonic inhibition. The source of this GABA is uncertain: it could be overspill of vesicular release, non-vesicular leakage, reverse transport, dying cells or glia. Using a novel approach, we simultaneously measured phasic and tonic inhibitory currents and assessed their correlation. Enhancing or diminishing vesicular GABA release in hippocampal neurons caused highly correlated changes in the two inhibitions. During high-frequency phasic inhibitory bursts, tonic current was also enhanced as shown by simulating the summation of IPSCs and by recordings in knockout mice devoid of tonic inhibitory current. When vesicular release was reduced by blocking action potentials or the vesicular GABA transporter, phasic and tonic currents decreased in a correlated fashion. Our results are consistent with most of hippocampal tonic inhibitory current being mediated by GABA released from the very vesicles responsible for activating phasic inhibition.

Expression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasma membrane transporter-1 in monkey and human retina

PURPOSE

To determine the expression pattern of the predominant gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plasma membrane transporter GAT-1 in Old World monkey (Macaca mulatta) and human retina.

METHODS

GAT-1 was localized in retinal sections by using immunohistochemical techniques with fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Double-labeling studies were performed with the GAT-1 antibody using antibodies to GABA, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the bipolar cell marker Mab115A10.

RESULTS

The pattern of GAT-1 immunostaining was similar in human and monkey retinas. Numerous small immunoreactive somata were in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and were present rarely in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of all retinal regions. Medium GAT-1 somata were in the ganglion cell layer in the parafoveal and peripheral retinal regions. GAT-1 fibers were densely distributed throughout the IPL. Varicose processes, originating from both the IPL and somata in the INL, arborized in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), forming a sparse network in all retinal regions, except the fovea. Sparsely occurring GAT-1 processes were in the nerve fiber layer in parafoveal regions and near the optic nerve head but not in the optic nerve. In the INL, 99% of the GAT-1 somata contained GABA, and 66% of the GABA immunoreactive somata expressed GAT-1. GAT-1 immunoreactivity was in all VIP-containing cells, but it was absent in TH-immunoreactive amacrine cells and in Mab115A10 immunoreactive bipolar cells.

CONCLUSIONS

GAT-1 in primate retinas is expressed by amacrine and displaced amacrine cells. The predominant expression of GAT-1 in the inner retina is consistent with the idea that GABA transporters influence neurotransmission and thus participate in visual information processing in the retina.

Stiripentol, a Putative Antiepileptic Drug, Enhances the Duration of Opening of GABAA-Receptor Channels

PURPOSE

Stiripentol (STP) is currently an efficient drug for add-on therapy in infantile epilepsies because it improves the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) through its potent inhibition of liver cytochromes P450. In addition, STP directly reduces seizures in several animal models of epilepsy, suggesting that it might also have anticonvulsive effects of its own. However, its underlying mechanisms of action are unknown.

METHODS

We examined the interactions of STP with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission by using patch-clamp methods in CA3 pyramidal neurons in the neonatal rat.

RESULTS

STP markedly increased miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) decay-time constant in a concentration-dependent manner. The prolongation of mIPSC duration does not result from an interaction with GABA transporters because it persisted in the presence of GAT-1 inhibitors (SKF-89976A and NO-711). An interaction with benzodiazepine or neurosteroid binding sites also was excluded because STP-mediated increase of decay time was still observed when these sites were initially saturated (by clobazam, zolpidem, or pregnanolone) or blocked (by flumazenil or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), respectively. In contrast, saturating barbiturate sites with pentobarbital clearly occluded this effect of STP, suggesting that STP and barbiturates interact at the same locus. This was directly confirmed by using outside-out patches, because STP increased the duration and not the frequency of opening of GABAA channels.

CONCLUSIONS

At clinically relevant concentrations, STP enhances central GABA transmission through a barbiturate-like effect, suggesting that STP should possess an antiepileptic effect by itself.

Subtype-Specific GABA Transporter Antagonists Synergistically Modulate Phasic and Tonic GABAA Conductances in Rat Neocortex

GABAergic inhibition in the brain can be classified as either phasic or tonic. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake by GABA transporters (GATs) can limit the time course of phasic currents arising from endogenous and exogenous GABA, as well as decrease a tonically active GABA current. GABA transporter subtypes 1 and 3 (GAT-1 and GAT-3) are the most heavily expressed of the four known GAT subtypes. The role of GATs in shaping GABA currents in the neocortex has not been explored. We obtained patch-clamp recordings from layer II/III pyramidal cells and layer I interneurons in rat sensorimotor cortex. We found that selective GAT-1 inhibition with NO711 decreased the amplitude and increased the decay time of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) but had no effect on the tonic current or spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs). GAT-2/3 inhibition with SNAP-5114 had no effect on IPSCs or the tonic current. Coapplication of NO711 and SNAP-5114 substantially increased tonic currents and synergistically decreased IPSC amplitudes and increased IPSC decay times. sIPSCs were not resolvable with coapplication of NO711 and SNAP-5114. The effects of the nonselective GAT antagonist nipecotic acid were similar to those of NO711 and SNAP-5114 together. We conclude that synaptic GABA levels in neocortical neurons are controlled primarily by GAT-1, but that GAT-1 and GAT-2/3 work together extrasynaptically to limit tonic currents. Inhibition of any one GAT subtype does not increase the tonic current, presumably as a result of increased activity of the remaining transporters. Thus neocortical GAT-1 and GAT-2/3 have distinct but overlapping roles in modulating GABA conductances.

Functional GABA uptake at inhibitory synapses in CA1 of chronically epileptic rats

Inhibitory postsynaptic currents were measured in CA1 pyramidal cells from chronically epileptic rats (pilocarpine model). Tiagabine, a selective inhibitor of the GABA-uptake transporter 1 prolonged currents equally to cells from control animals. Thus, GABA-uptake has an unaltered impact on inhibitory synaptic efficacy in rats with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy, underlining the rational for the use of GABA-uptake blockers in this condition.

Rapid substrate-induced charge movements of the GABA transporter GAT1

The GABA transporter GAT1 removes the neurotransmitter GABA from the synaptic cleft by coupling of GABA uptake to the co-transport of two sodium ions and one chloride ion. The aim of this work was to investigate the individual reaction steps of GAT1 after a GABA concentration jump. GAT1 was transiently expressed in HEK293 cells and its pre-steady-state kinetics were studied by combining the patch-clamp technique with the laser-pulse photolysis of caged GABA, which allowed us to generate GABA concentration jumps within <100 micros. Recordings of transport currents generated by GAT1, both in forward and exchange transport modes, showed multiple charge movements that can be separated along the time axis. The individual reactions associated with these charge movements differ from the well-characterized electrogenic "sodium-occlusion" reaction by GAT1. One of the observed electrogenic reactions is shown to be associated with the GABA-translocating half-cycle of the transporter, in contradiction to previous studies that showed no charge movements associated with these reactions. Interestingly, reactions of the GABA-bound transporter were not affected by the absence of extracellular chloride, suggesting that Cl- may not be co-translocated with GABA. Based on the results, a new alternating access sequential-binding model is proposed for GAT1's transport cycle that describes the results presented here and those by others.

Trafficking of the plasma membrane gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter GAT1. Size and rates of an acutely recycling pool

Plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporters rapidly traffic to and from the cell surface in neurons. This trafficking may be important in regulating neuronal signaling. Such regulation will be subject to the number of trafficking transporters and their trafficking rates. In the present study, we define an acutely recycling pool of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid transporters (GAT1) in cortical neurons that comprises approximately one-third of total cellular GAT1. Kinetic analysis of this pool estimates exocytosis and endocytosis time constants of 1.6 and 0.9 min, respectively, and thus approximately one-third of the recycling pool is plasma membrane resident in the basal state. Recent evidence shows that GAT1 substrates, second messengers, and interacting proteins regulate GAT1 trafficking. These triggers could act by altering trafficking rates or by changing the recycling pool size. In the present study we examine three GAT1 modulators. Calcium depletion decreases GAT1 surface expression by diminishing the recycling pool size. Sucrose increases GAT1 surface expression by blocking clathrin- and dynamin-dependent endocytosis, but it does not change the recycling pool size. Protein kinase C decreases surface GAT1 expression by increasing the endocytosis rate, but it does not change the exocytosis rate or the recycling pool size. Based upon estimates of GAT1 molecules in cortical boutons, the present data suggest that approximately 1000 transporters comprise the acutely recycling pool, of which 300 are on the surface in the basal state, and five transporters insert into the plasma membrane every second. This insertion could represent the fusion of one transporter-containing vesicle.

Dynamism of GABAA receptor activation shapes the “personality” of inhibitory synapses

The kinetics of synaptic currents is largely determined by the postsynaptic receptor gating and the concentration time course of synaptic neurotransmitter. While the analysis of current responses to rapid agonist application provides the means to study the ligand-gated receptor gating, no direct tools are available to measure the neurotransmitter transient at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. Several lines of evidence indicate that the synaptic agonist transient is very brief suggesting that the activation of postsynaptic receptors occurs in conditions of extreme non-equilibrium. Such a dynamic pattern of activation has a crucial impact not only on the kinetics of synaptic currents but also on their susceptibility to pharmacological modulation. Thus, changes in the synaptic agonist waveform due to, for example modulation of the release machinery or uptake system may considerably alter both kinetics and pharmacology of synaptic currents. The use of modifiers of GABA(A) receptor gating and low-affinity antagonists provides a tool to estimate the time course of the agonist transient revealing that synaptic neurotransmitter is not saturating and that the agonist clearance occurs at a sub-millisecond time scale. It is proposed that dynamic conditions of synaptic receptor activation assure a broad spectrum of performance rendering the synapse extremely susceptible to a variety of modulatory processes.

Relations between substrate affinities and charge equilibration rates in the rat GABA cotransporter GAT1

The relations between apparent affinity for substrates and operating rates have been investigated by two-electrode voltage clamp in the GABA transporter rGAT1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We have measured the transport current induced by the presence of GABA, as well as the charge equilibration rate in the absence of the neurotransmitter, in various experimental conditions known to affect the transporter characteristics. The apparent affinities for GABA and for Na(+) were also determined in the same conditions. Two pharmacological actions and three mutated isoforms have been examined. In all cases significant correlations were found between the charge equilibration rates and apparent affinities for both substrates. In particular in the transport process, the apparent affinity for GABA appears to be inversely related to the sum of the unidirectional charge equilibration rates (alpha+beta), while the Na(+) apparent affinity is directly related to their ratio (beta/alpha). Together these observations suggest a kinetic basis for GABA affinity with higher turnover rates resulting in lower affinity, and indicate that an efficient uptake requires a compromise between these two parameters.

GABA transporters in the mammalian cerebral cortex: localization, development and pathological implications

The extracellular levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian cerebral cortex, are regulated by specific high-affinity, Na+/Cl- dependent transporters. Four distinct genes encoding GABA transporters (GATs), named GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3, and BGT-1 have been identified using molecular cloning. Of these, GAT-1 and -3 are expressed in the cerebral cortex. Studies of the cortical distribution, cellular localization, ontogeny and relationships of GATs with GABA-releasing elements using a variety of light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical techniques have shown that: (i) a fraction of GATs is strategically placed to mediate GABA uptake at fast inhibitory synapses, terminating GABA's action and shaping inhibitory postsynaptic responses; (ii) another fraction may participate in functions such as the regulation of GABA's diffusion to neighboring synapses and of GABA levels in cerebrospinal fluid; (iii) GATs may play a role in the complex processes regulating cortical maturation; and (iv) GATs may contribute to the dysregulation of neuronal excitability that accompanies at least two major human diseases: epilepsy and ischemia.

Layer-specific potentiation of evoked IPSCs in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells by lanthanum

Lanthanum (La3+) potentiates or depresses GABAA receptors (GABAAR) in a subunit-dependent manner. Such differential modulators may help to discriminate between-layer-specific inhibitory synaptic inputs to individual neurons, which use different molecular GABAAR isoforms. Here, we show that inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal cells are potentiated by La3+ (100 microM) when they are evoked by stimulation in stratum oriens. In contrast, stimulation in stratum radiatum yields IPSCs which are not sensitive towards La3+. These data point towards an input-specific molecular and functional diversity of inhibitory synapses at CA1 pyramidal cells.

Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake: anatomy, physiology and effects against epileptic seizures

The transport of gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) limits the overspill from the synaptic cleft and serves to maintain a constant extracellular level of GABA. Two transporters, GABA transporter-1 (GAT-1) and GAT-3, are the most likely candidates for regulating GABA transport in the brain. Drugs acting either selectively or nonselectively at GATs exert distinct anticonvulsant effects, presumably because of distinct regions of action. Here I shall give a brief review of the localization and physiology of GATs and describe effects of selective and nonselective inhibitors thereof in different animal models of epilepsy.

The GABA transporter GAT1 and the MAGUK protein Pals1: interaction, uptake modulation, and coexpression in the brain

GABAergic signaling in the CNS is terminated in part through uptake of GABA by GABA transporters. We used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that associate with the carboxy-terminus of the neuronal GABA transporter GAT1. We found an interaction between GAT1 and the MAGUK protein Pals1. When coexpressed in COS-7 cells, Pals1 co-immunoprecipitates with GAT1. We demonstrate cellular coexpression of GAT1 and Pals1 in the mouse hippocampus and striatum. Functionally, coexpression of GAT1 and Pals1 in COS-7 cells increases [3H]-GABA uptake by GAT1. The mechanism underlying increased uptake is increased levels of GAT1 protein. We hypothesize that Pals1 contributes to the stability of the GAT1, thus promoting the expression level of the transporter protein. In the CNS, Pals1 may stabilize GAT1 at appropriate levels in specific GABAergic neurons.

Tonically active GABAA receptors: modulating gain and maintaining the tone

GABAA receptors not only respond to the local release of GABA from presynaptic terminals, but can also mediate a persistent 'tonic current'. This reflects the activation of high-affinity GABAA receptors by ambient GABA concentrations. Tonic GABAA-receptor-mediated signalling occurs in different brain regions, shows cell-type-specific differences in magnitude and pharmacology, and changes during brain development. Some clues to the adaptive significance of this phenomenon are beginning to emerge: in cerebellar granule cells, it alters the gain of transmission of rate-coded sensory information; in the hippocampus, it acts in a cell-type-specific manner to regulate the excitability of the network. Because tonic conductances can be modulated by changes in GABA release and uptake, and by modulators of high-affinity GABAA receptors including neurosteroids, this phenomenon provides a potentially important new window onto neuronal information processing and pathological states such as epilepsy.

Postnatal development of pre- and postsynaptic GABA markers at chandelier cell connections with pyramidal neurons in monkey prefrontal cortex

The protracted postnatal maturation of the primate prefrontal cortex (PFC) is associated with substantial changes in the number of excitatory synapses on pyramidal neurons, whereas the total number of inhibitory synapses appears to remain constant. In this study, we sought to determine whether the developmental changes in excitatory input to pyramidal cells are paralleled by changes in functional markers of inhibitory inputs to pyramidal neurons. The chandelier subclass of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons provides potent inhibitory control over pyramidal neurons by virtue of their axon terminals, which form distinct vertical structures (termed cartridges) that synapse at the axon initial segment (AIS) of pyramidal neurons. Thus, we examined the relative densities, laminar distributions, and lengths of presynaptic chandelier axon cartridges immunoreactive for the GABA membrane transporter 1 (GAT1) or the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) and of postsynaptic pyramidal neuron AIS immunoreactive for the GABA(A) receptor alpha(2) subunit (GABA(A) alpha(2)) in PFC area 46 of 38 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). From birth through 2 years of age, the relative densities and laminar distributions of these three markers exhibited different trajectories, suggesting developmental shifts in the weighting of at least some factors that determine inhibition at the AIS. In contrast, from 2 to 4 years of age, all three markers exhibited similar declines in density and length that paralleled the periadolescent pruning of excitatory synapses to pyramidal neurons. Across development, the predominant laminar location of PV-labeled cartridges and GABA(A) alpha(2)-immunoreactive AIS shifted from the middle to superficial layers, whereas the laminar distribution of GAT1-positive cartridges did not change. Together, these findings suggest that the maturation of inhibitory inputs to the AIS of PFC pyramidal neurons is a complex process that may differentially affect the firing patterns of subpopulations of pyramidal neurons at specific postnatal time points.

GABA transporter-1 (GAT1)-deficient mice: differential tonic activation of GABAA versus GABAB receptors in the hippocampus

After its release from interneurons in the CNS, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA is taken up by GABA transporters (GATs). The predominant neuronal GABA transporter GAT1 is localized in GABAergic axons and nerve terminals, where it is thought to influence GABAergic synaptic transmission, but the details of this regulation are unclear. To address this issue, we have generated a strain of GAT1-deficient mice. We observed a large increase in a tonic postsynaptic hippocampal GABAA receptor-mediated conductance. There was little or no change in the waveform or amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) or miniature IPSCs. In contrast, the frequency of quantal GABA release was one-third of wild type (WT), although the densities of GABAA receptors, GABAB receptors, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa, and vesicular GAT were unaltered. The GAT1-deficient mice lacked a presynaptic GABAB receptor tone, present in WT mice, which reduces the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs. We conclude that GAT1 deficiency leads to enhanced extracellular GABA levels resulting in an overactivation of GABAA receptors responsible for a postsynaptic tonic conductance. Chronically elevated GABA levels also downregulate phasic GABA release and reduce presynaptic signaling via GABAB receptors thus causing an enhanced tonic and a diminished phasic inhibition.

Synapse density regulates independence at unitary inhibitory synapses

Neurotransmitter transporters may promote synapse specificity by limiting spillover between release sites. At GABAergic synapses, transport block prolongs synaptic responses when many inputs are activated, yet it is unclear whether transporters alter signaling by single axons. We found that unitary IPSCs generated by paired recordings between hippocampal interneurons and granule cells could be either prolonged or totally unaffected by block of GABA transporters. This variability was explained by the density of active release sites rather than the number of active sites. Prolongation by transport block required release from multiple sites and was enhanced by repetitive activation. Furthermore, transport-sensitive unitary IPSCs were accelerated when the release probability was reduced, indicating that cross talk prolonged the time course of IPSCs even when transport was intact. Our results suggest that the release site density regulates the degree of cross talk as well as the contribution of transporters to GABA clearance. Thus, interplay between release site density and transporter action determines the independence of unitary inhibitory synapses.

GABA uptake regulates cortical excitability via cell type-specific tonic inhibition

GABA(A) receptors can mediate both 'phasic' synaptic inhibition and a persistent 'tonic' form of signaling. We show that, in the presence of intact GABA uptake, guinea pig hippocampal interneurons, but not pyramidal cells, express a tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated conductance. This conductance was pharmacologically distinct from spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). Inhibiting GABA uptake resulted in the expression of a comparable GABA(A) receptor-mediated tonic conductance in pyramidal cells. Reducing the tonic conductance in interneurons enhanced their excitability and the inhibitory drive to pyramidal cells. These results point to a role for cell type-dependent tonic inhibition in regulating cortical excitability.

Neuronal glutamate uptake Contributes to GABA synthesis and inhibitory synaptic strength

Neurons must maintain a supply of neurotransmitter in their presynaptic terminals to fill synaptic vesicles. GABA is taken up into inhibitory terminals by transporters or is synthesized from glutamate by glutamic acid decarboxylase. Here we report that glutamate transporters supply GABAergic terminals in the hippocampus with glutamate, which is then used to synthesize GABA for filling synaptic vesicles. Glutamate transporter antagonists reduced IPSC and miniature IPSC (mIPSC) amplitudes, consistent with a reduction in the amount of GABA packaged into each synaptic vesicle. This reduction occurred rapidly and independently of synaptic activity, suggesting that modulation of vesicular GABA content does not require vesicle release and refilling. Raising extracellular glutamate levels increased mIPSC amplitudes by enhancing glutamate uptake and, consequently, GABA synthesis. These results indicate that neuronal glutamate transporters strengthen inhibitory synapses in response to extracellular glutamate. This modulation appears to occur under normal conditions and may constitute a negative feedback mechanism to combat hyperexcitability.

Synapse density regulates independence at unitary inhibitory synapses

Neurotransmitter transporters may promote synapse specificity by limiting spillover between release sites. At GABAergic synapses, transport block prolongs synaptic responses when many inputs are activated, yet it is unclear whether transporters alter signaling by single axons. We found that unitary IPSCs generated by paired recordings between hippocampal interneurons and granule cells could be either prolonged or totally unaffected by block of GABA transporters. This variability was explained by the density of active release sites rather than the number of active sites. Prolongation by transport block required release from multiple sites and was enhanced by repetitive activation. Furthermore, transport-sensitive unitary IPSCs were accelerated when the release probability was reduced, indicating that cross talk prolonged the time course of IPSCs even when transport was intact. Our results suggest that the release site density regulates the degree of cross talk as well as the contribution of transporters to GABA clearance. Thus, interplay between release site density and transporter action determines the independence of unitary inhibitory synapses.

Neuronal glutamate uptake Contributes to GABA synthesis and inhibitory synaptic strength

Neurons must maintain a supply of neurotransmitter in their presynaptic terminals to fill synaptic vesicles. GABA is taken up into inhibitory terminals by transporters or is synthesized from glutamate by glutamic acid decarboxylase. Here we report that glutamate transporters supply GABAergic terminals in the hippocampus with glutamate, which is then used to synthesize GABA for filling synaptic vesicles. Glutamate transporter antagonists reduced IPSC and miniature IPSC (mIPSC) amplitudes, consistent with a reduction in the amount of GABA packaged into each synaptic vesicle. This reduction occurred rapidly and independently of synaptic activity, suggesting that modulation of vesicular GABA content does not require vesicle release and refilling. Raising extracellular glutamate levels increased mIPSC amplitudes by enhancing glutamate uptake and, consequently, GABA synthesis. These results indicate that neuronal glutamate transporters strengthen inhibitory synapses in response to extracellular glutamate. This modulation appears to occur under normal conditions and may constitute a negative feedback mechanism to combat hyperexcitability.