Synaptic interactions and inhibitory regulation in auditory cortex

Biol Psychol. 2016 Apr:116:4-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2015.11.001. Epub 2015 Nov 7.

Abstract

This Special Issue focuses on the auditory-evoked mismatch negativity (MMN), an electrophysiological index of change, and its reduction in schizophrenia. The following brief review is an attempt to complement the behavioral and clinical contributions to the Special Issue by providing basic information on synaptic interactions and processing in auditory cortex. A key observation in previous studies is that the MMN involves activation of cortical N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Yet, NMDA receptor activation is regulated by a number of synaptic events, which also may contribute to the MMN reduction in schizophrenia. Accordingly, this review will focus on synaptic interactions, notably inhibitory regulation of NMDA receptor-mediated activity, in auditory cortex.

Keywords: Auditory cortex; GABA; Glutamate; Mismatch negativity; NMDA; Neuromodulation; Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor; Synaptic integration; Thalamocortical.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Auditory Cortex / physiology*
  • Electrical Synapses / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory / physiology*
  • GABA Agents / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interneurons / physiology
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Receptors, GABA-B / metabolism
  • Receptors, Glutamate / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology

Substances

  • GABA Agents
  • Receptors, GABA-B
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate