Dual Influence of Endocannabinoids on Long-Term Potentiation of Synaptic Transmission.

ABSTRACT: Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB₁R) is widely distributed in the central nervous system, in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and in astrocytes. CB₁R agonists impair cognition and prevent long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, but the influence of endogenously formed cannabinoids (eCBs) on hippocampal LTP remains ambiguous. Based on the knowledge that eCBs are released upon high frequency neuronal firing, we hypothesized that the influence of eCBs upon LTP could change according to the paradigm of LTP induction. We thus tested the influence of eCBs on hippocampal LTP using two θ-burst protocols that induce either a weak or a strong LTP. LTP induced by a weak-θ-burst protocol is facilitated while preventing the endogenous activation of CB₁Rs. In c

SUBMITTER: Silva-Cruz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5742107 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature