Hippocampal CA 1
pyramidal neurons in
brain
slices provide an ideal model system for studying drug
effects on
synaptic
transmission. Intact synaptic pathways and interneuron circuits can
be
preserved in thin slices (0.4 to 0.5 mm) of brain tissue which remain
viable
for up to 24 hours. Brain slice circuitry for the CA 1 area is shown
below:
Projection
neurons and main synaptic pathways are shown in black, inhibitory
interneuron colors represent cells that function in concert (red) vs cells that belong to
different inhibitory classes. By activating the appropriate
interneuron class, an input can selectively control large groups of
projection
cells. Thus interneurons can gate or index groups of output
cells, like CA1 pyramidal neurons, so that subpopulations can be
synchronously active, e.g. during theta, and/or gamma frequency EEG
oscillations. Abbreviations: CA1 - cornu ammonis region # 1 of
the hippocampal formation; STIM - stimulating
electrode used to activate excitatory and inhibitory inputs to CA1
neurons; RECORD - recording electrode to measure pyramidal neuron
response to stimulation; a/c - association/commissural
pathway from septum and contralateral
hippocampus; alv - alveus; sc -
Schaffer collateral pathway from CA3 neurons; mf - mossy fiber pathway
from dentate gyrus (DG) granule neurons; pp - perforant path axons from
entorhinal cortex; fim - fimbria pathway to and from midbrain and other
regions.
Neuropharmacology
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