Alteration of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic interactions in the lateral amygdala associated with seizure activity in a mouse model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy

Authors: Graebenitz, Stéphanie; Lesting, Jörg; Sosulina, Ludmila; Seidenbecher, Thomas; Pape, Hans-Christian

Source: Epilepsia, Volume 51, Number 9, September 2010 , pp. 1754-1762(9)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Summary Purpose: 

Because results from both animal models and human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have pointed to synaptic network alterations in the amygdala, we have tested the hypothesis that glutamatergic transmission in the lateral amygdala (LA) is critically involved. Methods: 

Using the pilocarpine mouse model, LA slices were prepared ex vivo in the recurrent phase of TLE (Pilo group), and LA projection neurons (PNs) were recorded using patch-clamp techniques. Intrinsic and synaptic properties of LA PNs were analyzed and compared with those in age-matched saline-injected controls. Results: 

Only mild changes were observed in intrinsic properties of LA PNs, whereas both spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) were significantly increased in Pilo as compared to saline controls. This difference was sensitive to AP5, but persisted during action of NBQX, indicating mediation by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Moreover, these changes were associated with an increase in frequency but not amplitude of mEPSCs, indicative of a contribution of presynaptic mechanisms. Discussion: 

In conclusion, dynamic changes seem to occur in glutamatergic transmission within the amygdala during TLE, to which a functional upregulation of presynaptic NMDA receptors in LA PNs makes a significant contribution.

Keywords: Amygdala; Glutamate receptors; GABA receptors; Synapses; Epilepsy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2010.02561.x

Affiliations: 1: Institute for Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany

Publication date: 2010-09-01

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