Changes in hippocampal synaptic networks during aging may contribute to age-dependent compromise of cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Previous studies have demonstrated that GABAergic synaptic transmission exhibits age-dependent changes. To better understand such age-dependent changes of GABAergic synaptic inhibition, we performed whole-cell recordings from pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of acute hippocampal slices on aged (24-26 months old) and young (2-4 months old) Brown-Norway rats. We found that the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSCs) were significantly increased in aged rats, but the frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs were decreased. Furthermore, the regulation of GABAergic synaptic transmission by GluR5 containing kainate receptors was enhanced in aged rats, which was revealed by using LY382884 (a GluR5 kainate receptor antagonist) and ATPA (a GluR5 kainate receptor agonist). Moreover, we demonstrated that vesicular glutamate transporters are involved in the kainate receptor dependent regulation of sIPSCs. Taken together, these results suggest that GABAergic synaptic transmission is potentiated in aged rats, and GluR5 containing kainate receptors regulate the inhibitory synaptic transmission through endogenous glutamate. These alterations of GABAergic input with aging could contribute to age-dependent cognitive decline.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hipo.20544 | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
December 2024
Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenetics
December 2024
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, 114 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646, USA.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFFASEB J
December 2024
Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea.
The prevalence of depressive disorders in women has been reported in many countries. However, the cellular mechanisms mediating such sex differences in stress susceptibility remain largely unknown. Previously, we showed that lateral habenula (LHb) neurons are more activated in female mice than in male mice by restraint stress.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Ethnopharmacol
December 2024
Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Basic Medical College, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Engineering Research Center of TCM Protection Technology and New Product Development for the Elderly Brain Health, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China. Electronic address:
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, characterized by a complex pathogenesis that includes Aβ deposition, abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, chronic neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In traditional medicine, ginseng is revered as the 'king of herbs'. Ginseng has the effects of greatly tonifying vital energy, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs, generating fluids and nourishing the blood, and calming the mind while enhancing intelligence.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCell Mol Life Sci
December 2024
Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Équipe CARME, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France.
Chronic elevated blood pressure impinges on the functioning of multiple organs and therefore harms body homeostasis. Elucidating the protective mechanisms whereby the organism copes with sustained or repetitive blood pressure rises is therefore a topical challenge. Here we address this issue in the adrenal medulla, the master neuroendocrine tissue involved in the secretion of catecholamines, influential hormones in blood pressure regulation.
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