Neurogenic Role of the Depolarizing Chloride Gradient Revealed by Global Overexpression of KCC2 from the Onset of Development

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3791-07.2008
• Publication Date: 2008-02-13T17:30:20Z
• Authors: Annie Reynolds; Edna Brustein; Meijiang Liao; Adriana Mercado; Elisa Babilonia; David B. Mount; Pierre Drapeau
• Keywords: Lithium chloride; Iron(III) chloride

GABA- and glycine-induced depolarization is thought to provide important developmental signals, but the role of underlying chloride gradient has not been examined from onset development. We therefore overexpressed globally potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in newly fertilized zebrafish embryos reverse gradient. This rendered glycine hyperpolarizing all neurons, tested at time that motor behaviors (but native KCC2) first appear. KCC2 overexpression resulted fewer mature spontaneously active spinal more immature silent disrupted activity. observed motoneurons interneurons, a reduction elaboration axonal tracts, smaller brains cords. However, we no increased apoptosis normal complement sensory glia, progenitors. These results suggest chloride-mediated excitation plays crucial promoting neurogenesis earliest stages embryonic