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Traditionally, NMDA receptors are located postsynaptically; yet, putatively presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) have been reported. Although implicated in controlling synaptic plasticity, their function is not well understood and their expression patterns are debated. We demonstrate that, in layer 5 of developing mouse visual cortex, preNMDARs specifically control synaptic transmission at pyramidal cell inputs to other pyramidal cells and to Martinotti cells, while leaving those to basket cells unaffected. We also reveal a type of interneuron that mediates ascending inhibition. In agreement with synapse-specific expression, we find preNMDAR-mediated calcium signals in a subset of pyramidal cell terminals. A tuned network model predicts that preNMDARs specifically reroute information flow in local circuits during high-frequency firing, in particular by impacting frequency-dependent disynaptic inhibition mediated by Martinotti cells, a finding that we experimentally verify. We conclude that postsynaptic cell type determines presynaptic terminal molecular identity and that preNMDARs govern information processing in neocortical columns.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.neuron.2012.06.017

Type

Journal article

Journal

Neuron

Publication Date

09/08/2012

Volume

75

Pages

451 - 466

Keywords

Animals, Computer Simulation, Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials, Mice, Mice, Transgenic, Microscopy, Confocal, Neocortex, Neural Pathways, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Patch-Clamp Techniques, Presynaptic Terminals, Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate, Synaptic Transmission