| First Author | Shih PY | Year | 2013 |
| Journal | Cell Rep | Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 4 | Pages | 941-51 |
| PubMed ID | 24268779 | Mgi Jnum | J:206845 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5553037 | Doi | 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.10.026 |
| Citation | Shih PY, et al. (2013) Retrograde synaptic signaling mediated by K+ efflux through postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Cell Rep 5(4):941-51 |
| abstractText | Synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) carry inward Ca(2+) current responsible for postsynaptic signaling and plasticity in dendritic spines. Whether the concurrent K(+) efflux through the same receptors into the synaptic cleft has a physiological role is not known. Here, we report that NMDAR-dependent K(+) efflux can provide a retrograde signal in the synapse. In hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses, the bulk of astrocytic K(+) current triggered by synaptic activity reflected K(+) efflux through local postsynaptic NMDARs. The local extracellular K(+) rise produced by activation of postsynaptic NMDARs boosted action potential-evoked presynaptic Ca(2+) transients and neurotransmitter release from Schaffer collaterals. Our findings indicate that postsynaptic NMDAR-mediated K(+) efflux contributes to use-dependent synaptic facilitation, thus revealing a fundamental form of retrograde synaptic signaling. |
