Forebrain NgR1 Overexpression Impairs DA Release Suggesting Synergy of Local and Global Synaptic Plasticity Mechanisms

Abstract

Structural synaptic reorganizations needed to permanently embed novel memories in the brain involve complex plasticity-enhancing and plasticity-inhibiting systems. Increased neural activity is linked to rapid downregulation of Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), needed to allow local structural synaptic plasticity. This local regulation of plasticity is thought to be moderated by global systems, such as the ascending cholinergic and monoaminergic systems, adding significance to locally increased neural activity. Here we address the reverse possibility that the global systems may also be influenced by the status of local plasticity. Using NgR1-overexpressing mice, with impaired plasticity and long-term memory, we measured the ability to release dopamine (DA), implicated in regulating plasticity and memory. In vivo chronoamperometric recording with high temporal and spatial resolution revealed severe impairment of potassium chloride (KCl)-induced increase of extracellular DA in the dorsal striatum of mice overexpressing NgR1 in forebrain neurons. A similar, but lesser, impairment of DA release was seen following amphetamine delivery. In contrast, potassium chloride-evoked DA release in NgR1 knockout (KO) mice led to increased levels of extracellular DA. That NgR1 can impair DA signaling, thereby further dampening synaptic plasticity, suggests a new role for NgR1 signaling, acting in synergy with DA signaling to control synaptic plasticity.Significance Statement:The inverse correlation between local NgR1 levels and magnitude of KCl-inducible amounts of DA release in the striatum reinforces the rule of NgR1 as a regulator of structural synaptic plasticity and suggests synergy between local and global plasticity regulating systems.

The magics of 40 hertz

“…For example, in areas in which increased neural activity in response to a recent event is occurring, structural synaptic plasticity is temporarily allowed by local activity-driven decrease in plasticity-inhibiting Nogo receptor 1 signalling. The reduced presence of the Nogo receptor also leads to increased dopamine release, suggesting that local and global synaptic plasticity mechanisms operate in synergy, allowing alteration of the local synaptic network to store a novel memory [6]. More research is needed to reveal how brainwaves and intact long ascending pathways may interact.…”