Cell-type-specific imaging of neurotransmission reveals a disrupted excitatory-inhibitory cortical network in isoflurane anaesthesia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the fundamental clinical significance of general anaesthesia, the cortical mechanism underlying anaesthetic-induced loss of consciousness (aLOC) remains elusive.

Methods

Here, we measured the dynamics of two major cortical neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, through in vivo two-photon imaging and genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors in a cell type-specific manner in the primary visual (V1) cortex.

Findings

We found a general decrease in cortical GABA transmission during aLOC. However, the glutamate transmission varies among different cortical cell types, where in it is almost preserved on pyramidal cells and is significantly reduced on inhibitory interneurons. Cortical interneurons expressing vasoactive intestina

SUBMITTER: Guo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7941179 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature