Dendritic peptide release mediates interpopulation crosstalk between neurosecretory and preautonomic networks.

ABSTRACT: Although communication between neurons is considered a function of the synapse, neurons also release neurotransmitter from their dendrites. We found that dendritic transmitter release coordinates activity across distinct neuronal populations to generate integrative homeostatic responses. We show that activity-dependent vasopressin release from hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurons in the paraventricular nucleus stimulates neighboring (~100 μm soma-to-soma) presympathetic neurons, resulting in a sympathoexcitatory population response. This interpopulation crosstalk was engaged by an NMDA-mediated increase in dendritic Ca(2+), influenced by vasopressin's ability to diffuse in the extracellular space, and involved activation of CAN channels at the target neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrate tha

SUBMITTER: Son SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3884642 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature