Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates inhibitory, but not excitatory, transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus

M. Frerking, R. C. Malenka, R. A. Nicoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

171 Scopus citations

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to have rapid effects on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. We report here that bath application of BDNF causes a small but significant decrease in stimulus- evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) on CA1 pyramidal cells, which is prevented by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lavendustin A. BDNF causes a decrease in the I/CV2 of the IPSC, and also reduces paired-pulse depression of the IPSC, suggesting a presynaptic site of action. In contrast, BDNF did not have a detectable effect on field excitatory postsynaptic potentials measured in stratum radiatum. We conclude that BDNF has a selective depressant action on inhibitory transmission in the hippocampus, due at least in part to a presynaptic mechanism.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3383-3386
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of neurophysiology
Volume80
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Physiology

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