Frequency-Dependent Modulation of Retinogeniculate Transmission by Serotonin

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3749-04.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-12-01T19:23:57Z
• Authors: Daniel P. Seeburg; Xiaojin Liu; Chinfei Chen
• Keywords: Lateral geniculate nucleus

The relay of visual information converging in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) en route to cortex is modulated by projections from brainstem nuclei. release serotonin, one mediator these effects, has been shown act at a presynaptic site inhibit neurotransmitter retinogeniculate synapse, connection between retinal ganglion cells and thalamocortical neurons LGN. To understand how serotonergic inhibition synaptic transmission influences transfer this we examined EPSCs firing responses 5-carboxytryptamine (5-CT), 5-HT 1 receptor agonist that preferentially activates over postsynaptic modulatory effects serotonin. Bath application 5-CT inhibits strength, relieves depression, reduces total charge transferred synapse mouse LGN brain slices. In contrast, does not significantly alter membrane potential response trains intracellular current injections. Here show modulation results frequency-dependent neuron firing. At low-frequency stimulation, markedly thus inhibiting However, diminished during high-frequency because relief depression partially offsets reduction transfer. Thus, plays powerful role modulating frequency range transmitted via such inputs are more reliably than inputs.