The brain is composed of diverse types of neurons that fulfill distinct roles in neuronal circuits, as manifested by the hippocampus, where pyramidal neurons and granule cells constitute functionally distinct domains: cornu ammonis (CA) and dentate gyrus (DG), respectively. Little is known about how these two types of neuron differentiate during hippocampal development, although a set of transc...

GABA(A) receptors generate both phasic and tonic forms of inhibition. In hippocampal pyramidal neurons, GABA(A) receptors that contain the alpha5 subunit generate a tonic inhibitory conductance. The physiological role of this tonic inhibition is uncertain, although alpha5GABA(A) receptors are known to influence hippocampal-dependent learning and memory processes. Here we provide evidence that a...

background: primary cultures of embryonic neurons have been used to introduce a model of neurons in physiological and pathological conditions. however, age-related cellular events limit this method as an optimal model in adult neurodegenerative diseases studies. besides, short-interval changing media in previous cultures decreases the effectiveness of this model. as an example of this matter, w...

  Background and Objective: As one of the widely used drugs, aspirin (acetyl-salicylic acid, ASA) plays an important role in stroke treatment and prevention. In a previous study, we demonstrated ASA injection at 30 min after ischemia onset is neuroprotective. To determine whether the neurons protected by ASA had a normal ultrastructure, hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were examined by Transm...

GABAA receptors generate both phasic and tonic forms of inhibition. In hippocampal pyramidal neurons, GABAA receptors that contain the α5 subunit generate a tonic inhibitory conductance. The physiological role of this tonic inhibition is uncertain, although α5GABAA receptors are known to influence hippocampal-dependent learning and memory processes. Here, we provide evidence that α5GABAA recept...

We asked whether GABA(A) and NMDA receptors may act in synergy in neonatal hippocampal slices, at a time when GABA exerts a depolarizing action. The GABA(A) receptor agonist isoguvacine reduced the voltage-dependent Mg2+ block of single NMDA channels recorded in cell-attached configuration from P(2-5) CA3 pyramidal neurons and potentiated the Ca2+ influx through NMDA channels. The synaptic resp...

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has potent actions on hippocampal neurons, but the mechanisms that initiate its effects are poorly understood. We report here that localized BDNF application to apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons evoked transient elevations in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, which are independent of membrane depolarization and activation of N-methyl-d-aspartat...

Action potentials in pyramidal neurons are typically followed by an afterdepolarization (ADP), which in many cells contributes to intrinsic burst firing. Despite the ubiquity of this common excitable property, the responsible ion channels have not been identified. Using current-clamp recordings in hippocampal slices, we find that the ADP in CA1 pyramidal neurons is mediated by an Ni2+-sensitive...

Gamma frequency (30-80 Hz) oscillations are implicated in memory processing. Such rhythmic activity can be generated intrinsically in the CA3 region of the hippocampus from where it can propagate to the CA1 area. To uncover the synaptic mechanisms underlying the intrahippocampal spread of gamma oscillations, we recorded local field potentials, as well as action potentials and synaptic currents ...

Calcium-activated potassium currents have an essential role in regulating excitability in a variety of neurons. Although it is well established that mature CA1 pyramidal neurons possess a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) conductance (I(K(Ca))) with early and late components, modulation by various endogenous neurotransmitters, and sensitivity to K(+) channel toxins, the properties of I(K(Ca)) on hippocampa...