Astroglial Kir4.1 in the lateral habenula drives neuronal bursts in depression

Astroglial Kir4.1 in the lateral habenula drives neuronal bursts in depressionAstroglial Kir4.1 in the lateral habenula drives neuronal bursts in depression, Published online: 14 February 2018; doi:10.1038/nature25752The lateral habenula (LHb) is a region of the brain that is associated with aversion and other negative emotions. Hailan Hu and colleagues present a pair of papers in this week's issue on the role of burst firing in LHb neurons in depression in rats. First, they show that ketamine, a drug that can be used as an antidepressant, blocks LHb neuron bursting activity, and that both NMDAR and low-voltage-sensitive T-type calcium channels (T-VSCCs) are required for the drug to be effective. In the second study, the authors identify a potential mechanism for regulating this bursting behaviour that could represent a new therapeutic target. Levels of an astroglial potassium channel, Kir4.1, covary with the degree of membrane hyperpolarization and bursting activity of LHb neurons, as well as depression-related behaviours in various rodent models. The team suggest that blocking LHb neuron bursting activity could revive reward centres in the brain and elevate mood, and provide a model framework for developing rapid-acting antidepressants.

Source: Nature AOP - February 14, 2018 Category: Research Authors: Yihui Cui Yan Yang Zheyi Ni Yiyan Dong Guohong Cai Alexandre Foncelle Shuangshuang Ma Kangning Sang Siyang Tang Yuezhou Li Ying Shen Hugues Berry Shengxi Wu Hailan Hu Source Type: research