Involvement of Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channels in the Synaptic Transmission in the Lateral Amygdala

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺(BK_Ca) channels are highly expressed in the lateral amygdala (LA), which is involved in stress disorders, but the role of these BK_Ca in the neuronal circuits are poorly understood. In the previous study, we found a significant reduction in BK_Ca channel expression in the amygdala of mice undergoing acute stress, which was accompanied by anxiety-like behaviors. In this study, we focused on the role of BK_Ca channels in the synaptic transmission and plasticity in the lateral amygdala. Methods: Behavioral tests, western-blot analysis and electrophysiological recordings were performed. Results: First, we found the co-distribution of BK_Ca channels immunoreactively with glutamatergic neuronal marker CaMKIIα or interneuron marker GAD-65 in the LA. In addition, both NR2A and NR2B were co-localized with the BK_Ca channels and formed a heteroreceptor complex in the soma and dendrites of the amygdala neurons. Furthermore, block of the BK_Ca channels notably facilitated long-term potentiation (LTP) induction at the thalamo-LA synapse. Conclusion: BK_Ca channels play critical roles in the synaptic plasticity in the LA.

Key words: large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels, synaptic plasticity, amygdala

CLC Number:

R338

GUO Yan-yan, QI Feng-yan, ZHAO Ming-gao. Involvement of Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ Channels in the Synaptic Transmission in the Lateral Amygdala[J]. Acta Neuropharmacologica, 2012, 2(1): 10-19.

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Involvement of Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ Channels in the Synaptic Transmission in the Lateral Amygdala

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