Elsevier

Brain Research

Volume 810, Issues 1–2, 9 November 1998, Pages 257-263
Brain Research

Short communication
α-Bungarotoxin- and methyllycaconitine-sensitive nicotinic receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission in interneurons of rat hippocampal slices

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-8993(98)00880-4Get rights and content

Abstract

This study demonstrates for the first time that α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission in conventional hippocampal slices. In the presence of antagonists of muscarinic, AMPA, NMDA, GABAA, ATP, and 5-HT3 receptors, spontaneous and evoked postsynaptic currents (PSCs) recorded from CA1 interneurons were blocked by the α7 nAChR antagonists methyllycaconitine and α-bungarotoxin and by a desensitizing concentration of the α7 nAChR agonist choline. Spontaneous nicotinic PSCs were also accompanied by Na+ transients, indicating that α7 nAChR-mediated transmission serves as an excitatory signal to the CA1 interneurons in the hippocampus.

Section snippets

Note added in proof

These observations related to the synaptic responses mediated by α7-containing nAChRs in hippocampal interneurons have recently been confirmed by another laboratory (Frazier, Buhler, Weiner, Dunwiddie, J. Neurosci. in press).

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to the excellent technical help of Ms. Mabel Zelle, Ms. Barbara Marrow, and Mr. Benjamin Cumming. This study was supported by USPHS grant NS25296 and ES05730.

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