Synaptic modifications transform neural networks to function without oxygen.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neural circuit function is highly sensitive to energetic limitations. Much like mammals, brain activity in American bullfrogs quickly fails in hypoxia. However, after emergence from overwintering, circuits transform to function for approximately 30-fold longer without oxygen using only anaerobic glycolysis for fuel, a unique trait among vertebrates considering the high cost of network activity. Here, we assessed neuronal functions that normally limit network output and identified components that undergo energetic plasticity to increase robustness in hypoxia.

Results

In control animals, oxygen deprivation depressed excitatory synaptic drive within native circuits, which decreased postsynaptic firing to cause network failure within minutes. Assessments of evoked and

SUBMITTER: Amaral-Silva L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10022038 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature