TRPV1 activation by endogenous anandamide triggers postsynaptic long-term depression in dentate gyrus

Andrés E. Chávez, Chiayu Q. Chiu, Pablo E. Castillo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

276 Scopus citations

Abstract

The transient receptor potential TRPV1 is a nonselective cation channel that mediates pain sensations and is commonly activated by a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous, physical and chemical stimuli. Although TRPV1 receptors are mainly found in nociceptive neurons of the peripheral nervous system, these receptors have also been found in the brain, where their role is far less understood. Activation of TRPV1 reportedly regulates neurotransmitter release at several central synapses. However, we found that TRPV1 suppressed excitatory transmission in rat and mouse dentate gyrus by regulating postsynaptic function in an input-specific manner. This suppression was a result of Ca 2+-calcineurin and clathrin-dependent internalization of AMPA receptors. Moreover, synaptic activation of TRPV1 triggered a form of long-term depression (TRPV1-LTD) mediated by the endocannabinoid anandamide in a type 1 cannabinoid receptorĝ€"independent manner. Thus, our findings reveal a previously unknown form of endocannabinoid- and TRPV1-mediated regulation of synaptic strength at central synapses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1511-1519
Number of pages9
JournalNature Neuroscience
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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