Affiliation: Maccaferri Lab, Department of Neurosicence
Abstract
My project investigates the vulnerability of GABAergic inhibition mediated by parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVs) in the hippocampal formation.
We have discovered that exposing brain slices to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces a profound transformation of PV-mediated synaptic signaling onto postsynaptic pyramidal cells (PCs) in the subiculum.
Specifically, BDNF converts conventional monosynaptic inhibitory GABAergic potentials generated by PVs into complex, multiphasic responses partly mediated by local excitatory glutamatergic circuits.
Since BDNF is released in an activity-dependent manner and its levels rise in the epileptic hippocampus, the resulting shift in the excitation/inhibition balance might initiate pathological activity and explain the regional vulnerability of subicular circuits.
During my talk, I will review the cellular/synaptic mechanisms involved in detail and outline future plans for the project.
Jenna Ward
(815) 529-6182
Email