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Functional interplay between NMDA receptors, SK channels and voltage‐gated Ca 2+ channels regulates synaptic excitability in the medial prefrontal cortex
Author(s) -
Faber E. S. L.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.185645
Subject(s) - neuroscience , neurotransmission , nmda receptor , excitatory postsynaptic potential , t type calcium channel , chemistry , voltage dependent calcium channel , synaptic plasticity , p type calcium channel , sk channel , calcium , biophysics , biology , receptor , ion channel , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Synaptic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is fundamental for higher cognitive functions such as working memory. The present study shows that small conductance (SK) calcium‐activated potassium channels attenuate excitatory synaptic transmission at layer 2/3 and layer 5 inputs to layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mPFC. SK channels are located postsynaptically at synapses where they are activated during synaptic transmission by calcium influx through NMDA receptors, L‐type calcium channels, R‐type calcium channels and by calcium release from IP 3 ‐sensitive stores. Removal of the SK channel‐mediated shunt of synaptic transmission reveals significant NMDA receptor‐mediated activation during basal synaptic transmission, which is greater at layer 5 inputs (approximately 30%) than at layer 2/3 inputs (approximately 20%). These findings show that interactions between NMDA receptors, SK channels and voltage‐gated calcium channels play a critical role in regulating excitatory synaptic transmission in layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the mPFC.