Desensitization of AMPA receptors upon multiquantal neurotransmitter release

doi:10.1016/0896-6273(93)90066-Z

Neuron

Volume 10, Issue 6, June 1993, Pages 1185-1196

https://doi.org/10.1016/0896-6273(93)90066-Z Get rights and content

Abstract

We have investigated the role of AMPA receptor desensitization during transmission at a calyceal synapse. Cyclothiazide blocked the rapid desensitization of AMPA receptors and markedly prolonged the decay time of the evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (PSC). This effect was greater than what would be expected from a simple prolongation of channel open time. Additionally, the drug reduced the depression of PSCs evoked at brief intervals. The effects of cyclothiazide on the PSC were reduced when the level of transmitter release was lowered. These data indicate that AMPA receptors are desensitized by neurotransmitter and that this desensitization depends on the number of quanta in the synaptic cleft. We propose that release of transmitter from many closely spaced sites prolongs the time of receptor-transmitter contact and thereby promotes desensitization. Desensitization may therefore contribute to synaptic depression and prevent the interaction of transmitter quanta within the synaptic cleft.

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Neuron

ArticleDesensitization of AMPA receptors upon multiquantal neurotransmitter release

Abstract

Brain Res.

Neuroscience

Neuron

Neuron

Neurosci. Lett.

Neurosci. Lett.

Neuron

Neuron

Neuron

Neuron

Biophys. J.

Dev. Brain Res.

Development of the mossy fibers of the dentate gyrus: I. A light and electron microscopic study of the mossy fibers and their expansions

J. Comp. Neurol.

NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are co-localized at individual excitatory synapses in cultured rat hippocampus

Nature

Presynaptic mechanism for long-term potentiation in the hippocampus

Nature

Molecular cloning and functional expression of glutamate subunit genes

Science

Two distinct kinetic phases of desensitization of acetylcholine receptors of clonal rat PC12 cells

J. Physiol.

The time course of glutamate in the synaptic cleft

Science

Action of brief pulses of glutamate on AMPA/kainate receptors in patches from different neurones of rat hippocampal slices

J. Physiol.

The chemical excitation of spinal neurones by certain acidic amino acids

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J. Comp. Physiol. A

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Pflügers Arch.

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Article
Desensitization of AMPA receptors upon multiquantal neurotransmitter release