Input responsiveness of neuronal circuits and its modulation by neurotransmitters.

我们研究了两个突触输入到丘脑投射的第四层神经元的时间依赖性，使用脑片制备的膜片钳记录。准同时输入的最佳时机由神经调节剂调节。该电路的这种类似切换的行为可能是注意力和觉醒的切换的神经元关联。我们还利用钙通道突变小鼠研究了基底节在失神癫痫中的作用，这些小鼠被用作癫痫的模型动物。我们发现丘脑底核超极化激活的阳离子通道的功能活性降低。这种降低增强了丘脑底神经元的兴奋性，导致失神癫痫异常节律活动的延长。

We investigated timing dependency of two synaptic inputs to layer 4 neurons projecting from thalamus using patch clamp recording from brain slice preparations. The optimal timing of quasi-simultaneous inputs is modulated by neuromodulators. This switching-like behavior of the circuit may be a neuronal correlate of switching of attention and wakefulness. We also investigated the role of the basal ganglia in absence epilepsy using calcium channel-mutant mice, which are used as a model animal for epilepsy. We found functional activity of hyperpolarization-activated cation channel is reduced in the subthalamic nucleus. The reduction enhanced excitability of subthalamic neurons, which resulted in prolongation of abnormal rhythmic activity of absence epilepsy.