Final Report Summary - CORTEXSELFCONTROL (Self-Modulating Neurons in the Cerebral Cortex: From Molecular Mechanisms to Cortical Network Activities)
In addition, we have found that GABAergic neurotransmission onto principal pyramidal neurons undergoes non-hebbian long-term plasticity, which is bi-directional (i.e. potentiating or depressing), depending on pyramidal neuron cell type and cortical layer. In the last decades, the plasticity of excitatory glutamatergic synapses has been extensively studied and proposed to be the synaptic correlate of learning and memory. In contrast, mechanisms and function of plasticity of GABAergic synapses are still poorly understood. Therefore, in a second set of experiments, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying and the cellular players involved in bi-directional long-term plasticity of GABAergic synapses onto pyramidal neurons, and identified its functional relevance during cortical network activity.
Results of this research will lead to a better understanding of the physiological properties and function of neocortical interneurons, fundamentally advancing the general knowledge of neocortical physiology underlying both normal behaviors and pathological activities.