Physiological role for GABA_A receptor desensitization in the induction of long-term potentiation at inhibitory synapses.

ABSTRACT: GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels distributed throughout the brain where they mediate synaptic and tonic inhibition. Following activation, these receptors undergo desensitization which involves entry into long-lived agonist-bound closed states. Although the kinetic effects of this state are recognised and its structural basis has been uncovered, the physiological impact of desensitization on inhibitory neurotransmission remains unknown. Here we describe an enduring form of long-term potentiation at inhibitory synapses that elevates synaptic current amplitude for 24 h following desensitization of GABA_ARs in response to agonist exposure or allosteric modulation. Using receptor mutants and allosteric modulators we demonstrate t

SUBMITTER: Field M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8035410 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature