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Reciprocal interactions between CA3 network activity and strength of recurrent collateral synapses

Nature Neuroscience volume 2, pages 720–726 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

In hippocampal slices, synchronous CA3 network activity induced persistent strengthening of active positive-feedback synapses. This altered network operation by increasing probability of future synchronous network activation. Long-term depression of synaptic strength induced by partial blockade of NMDA receptors during synchronous network activity reversed changes in probability of spontaneous network activation. These results suggest that specific network activity patterns selectively alter strength of active synapses. Stable, reversible alterations in network activity can also be effected by corresponding alterations in synaptic strength. These findings confirm the Hebb memory model at the neural-network level and suggest new therapies for pathological patterns of network activity in epilepsy.

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Figure 1: Synchronized network activity increases synaptic strength.
Figure 2: The increase in synaptic strength following bursting is specific for the active positive feedback synapses.
Figure 3: Increasing synaptic strength produces a transition from quiescence to bursting.
Figure 4: Synaptic potentiation resulting from synchronized network activity can be reversed by low frequency stimulation of CA3.
Figure 5: Low frequency stimulation decreases the probability of synchronous network activity.
Figure 6: Low-frequency stimulation of recurrent collaterals decreases the probability of network activation, but has no effect on burst intensity.
Figure 7: .

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Acknowledgements

We thank members of the Staley and Dunwiddie labs for comments on the manuscript. J.S.B. is supported by an International Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship. This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, The Epilepsy Foundation of America and The Campbell Pediatric Epilepsy Fund.

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  1. Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, B182, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, 80262, Colorado, USA

    Jaideep S. Bains, J. Mark Longacher & Kevin J. Staley

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Correspondence to Kevin J. Staley.

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Bains, J., Longacher, J. & Staley, K. Reciprocal interactions between CA3 network activity and strength of recurrent collateral synapses. Nat Neurosci 2, 720–726 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/11184

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