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Dendritic NMDA spikes are necessary for timing-dependent associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells

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  • Federico Brandalise

    (Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich
    Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich)

  • Stefano Carta

    (Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich
    Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich)

  • Fritjof Helmchen

    (Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich
    Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich)

  • John Lisman

    (Brandeis University)

  • Urs Gerber

    (Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich
    Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich)

Abstract

The computational repertoire of neurons is enhanced by regenerative electrical signals initiated in dendrites. These events, referred to as dendritic spikes, can act as cell-intrinsic amplifiers of synaptic input. Among these signals, dendritic NMDA spikes are of interest in light of their correlation with synaptic LTP induction. Because it is not possible to block NMDA spikes pharmacologically while maintaining NMDA receptors available to initiate synaptic plasticity, it remains unclear whether NMDA spikes alone can trigger LTP. Here we use dendritic recordings and calcium imaging to analyse the role of NMDA spikes in associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells. We show that NMDA spikes produce regenerative branch-specific calcium transients. Decreasing the probability of NMDA spikes reduces LTP, whereas increasing their probability enhances LTP. NMDA spikes and LTP occur without back-propagating action potentials. However, action potentials can facilitate LTP induction by promoting NMDA spikes. Thus, NMDA spikes are necessary and sufficient to produce the critical postsynaptic depolarization required for associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico Brandalise & Stefano Carta & Fritjof Helmchen & John Lisman & Urs Gerber, 2016. "Dendritic NMDA spikes are necessary for timing-dependent associative LTP in CA3 pyramidal cells," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13480
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13480
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