Activity-dependent plasticity in an olfactory circuit

Neuron. 2007 Dec 6;56(5):838-50. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.10.035.

Abstract

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) form synapses with local interneurons and second-order projection neurons to form stereotyped olfactory glomeruli. This primary olfactory circuit is hard-wired through the action of genetic cues. We asked whether individual glomeruli have the capacity for stimulus-evoked plasticity by focusing on the carbon dioxide (CO2) circuit in Drosophila. Specialized OSNs detect this gas and relay the information to a dedicated circuit in the brain. Prolonged exposure to CO2 induced a reversible volume increase in the CO2-specific glomerulus. OSNs showed neither altered morphology nor function after chronic exposure, but one class of inhibitory local interneurons showed significantly increased responses to CO2. Two-photon imaging of the axon terminals of a single PN innervating the CO2 glomerulus showed significantly decreased functional output following CO2 exposure. Behavioral responses to CO2 were also reduced after such exposure. We suggest that activity-dependent functional plasticity may be a general feature of the Drosophila olfactory system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Carbon Dioxide / pharmacology
  • Drosophila
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Interneurons / drug effects
  • Interneurons / physiology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology
  • Odorants
  • Olfactory Pathways / anatomy & histology
  • Olfactory Pathways / drug effects
  • Olfactory Pathways / physiology*
  • Smell / drug effects
  • Smell / physiology*

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide