Cholinergic Interneurons Release Glutamate in the Striatum
Author Information
Author(s): Higley Michael J., Gittis Aryn H., Oldenburg Ian A., Balthasar Nina, Seal Rebecca P., Edwards Robert H., Lowell Bradford B., Kreitzer Anatol C., Sabatini Bernardo L.
Primary Institution: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
Do cholinergic interneurons in the striatum mediate glutamatergic transmission?
Conclusion
Cholinergic interneurons are capable of mediating fast glutamatergic transmission, suggesting a new role for these cells in regulating striatal activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Cholinergic interneurons express the Type-3 vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT3).
- Optical stimulation of cholinergic interneurons evoked glutamatergic responses in medium spiny neurons.
- Responses were blocked by glutamate receptor antagonists, confirming glutamate release.
- Responses were not observed in mice lacking VGluT3, indicating its necessity for glutamate release.
- CIN-evoked responses exhibited a significant contribution from NMDA-type glutamate receptors.
Takeaway
Some brain cells that usually use a chemical called acetylcholine can also release another chemical called glutamate, which helps send signals in the brain.
Methodology
The study used genetically modified mice to express light-activated proteins in cholinergic interneurons and recorded their activity in brain slices.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on young mice, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other age groups.
Participant Demographics
Male and female postnatal day 22–28 mice were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website