Functional Autapses Form in Striatal Parvalbumin Interneurons but not Medium Spiny Projection Neurons

 Xuan Wang1  · Zhenfeng Shu2,3 · Quansheng He2  · Xiaowen Zhang2  · Luozheng Li1  · Xiaoxue Zhang2  · Liang Li2  · Yujie Xiao2  · Bo Peng2  · Feifan Guo2  · Da‑Hui Wang1  · Yousheng Shu2
1 School of Systems Science and State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China 
2 Department of Neurosurgery, Jinshan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China 
3 Present Address: Section of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

Abstract

Autapses selectively form in specific cell types in many brain regions. Previous studies have also found putative autapses in principal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the striatum. However, it remains unclear whether these neurons indeed form physiologically functional autapses. We applied whole-cell recording in striatal slices and identified autaptic cells by the occurrence of prolonged asynchronous release (AR) of neurotransmitters after bursts of high-frequency action potentials (APs). Surprisingly, we found no autaptic AR in SPNs, even in the presence of Sr2+. However, robust autaptic AR was recorded in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons. The autaptic responses were mediated by GABAA receptors and their strength was dependent on AP frequency and number. Further computer simulations suggest that autapses regulate spiking activity in PV cells by providing self-inhibition and thus shape network oscillations. Together, our results indicate that PV neurons, but not SPNs, form functional autapses, which may play important roles in striatal functions.


Keywords
Asynchronous neurotransmitter release; Autapse; Spiny projection neuron; Parvalbumin interneuron; Striatum