Protein kinase Calpha mediates a novel form of plasticity in the accessory olfactory bulb.

ABSTRACT: Modification of synapses in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is believed to underlie pheromonal memory that enables mate recognition in mice. The memory, which is acquired with single-trial learning, forms only with coincident noradrenergic and glutamatergic inputs to the AOB. The mechanisms by which glutamate and norepinephrine (NE) alter the AOB synapses are not well understood. Here we present results that not only reconcile the earlier, seemingly contradictory, observations on the role of glutamate and NE in changing the AOB synapses, but also reveal novel mechanisms of plasticity. Our studies suggest that initially, glutamate acting at Group II metabotropic receptors and NE acting at alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors inhibit N-type and R-type Ca(2+) channels in mitral cells via a G-prot

SUBMITTER: Dong C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2748972 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature