NMDA receptor membrane dynamics tunes the firing pattern of midbrain dopaminergic neurons

Key points NMDA receptors (NMDARs) expressed by dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a central role in glutamate synapse plasticity, neuronal firing and adaptative behaviours. The NMDAR surface dynamics shapes synaptic adaptation hippocampal networks, as well associative memory. We investigated basic properties on cultured mesencephalic VTA rodents. Using combination single molecule imaging electrophysiological recordings, we demonstrate that NMDARs are highly diffusive at neurons. Unexpectedly, membrane per se regulates pattern dopaminergic neurons, probably through functional interplay between small-conductance calcium-dependent potassium (SK) channels. Midbrain (DA) major physiological brain functions, their dysfunctions have been associated with neuropsychiatric diseases. activity midbrain DA is controlled ion channels neurotransmitter receptors, such receptor (NMDAR) However, cellular mechanisms which these tune remain unclear. Here, whether distribution tunes report from rodents humans. Reducing acutely dynamics, leaves ionotropic function intact, robustly altered without altering glutamatergic transmission. reduction reduced apamin (SK channel blocker)-induced change SK3 Together, data show NMDAR, not solely its function, partly SK function.