Neuropeptide Y activates a G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium current and dampens excitability in the lateral amygdala

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) reduces anxiety-related behavior in various animal models. Since activity in the lateral amygdala (LA) seems crucial for fear expression of behavior, we studied the mechanisms of NPY in LA projection neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices of the rat amygdala i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular and cellular neuroscience 2008-10, Vol.39 (3), p.491-498
Main Authors: Sosulina, Ludmila, Schwesig, Gerrit, Seifert, Gerald, Pape, Hans-Christian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amygdala
Amygdala - anatomy & histology
Amygdala - physiology
Animals
G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels - metabolism
G-protein
GIRK
Inwardly rectifying K + current
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - metabolism
Neuropeptide Y
Neuropeptide Y - metabolism
Patch-Clamp Techniques
Protein Subunits - genetics
Protein Subunits - metabolism
Rats
Rats, Long-Evans
Receptors, Neuropeptide Y - metabolism
Single-cell RT-PCR
Y1 receptor
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Summary:Neuropeptide Y (NPY) reduces anxiety-related behavior in various animal models. Since activity in the lateral amygdala (LA) seems crucial for fear expression of behavior, we studied the mechanisms of NPY in LA projection neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in slices of the rat amygdala in vitro. Application of NPY activated a membrane K + current with inwardly rectifying properties in 92% of tested neurons. Pharmacological properties were indicative of mediation via Y1 receptors. Nonhydrolyzable analogues of guanine nucleotides and SCH23390 blocked the NPY-activated current. Single-cell RT-PCR demonstrated expression of G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K + channel (GIRK) subunits GIRK1, GIRK2 and GIRK3, suggesting mediation of the NPY response through GIRK type channels. The NPY-activated current depressed action potential firing in LA projection neurons, through membrane hyperpolarization and decreased input resistance. Functionally, the dampening of excitability in projection neurons of the amygdala may contribute to the decrease in anxiogenic behavior during action of NPY.
ISSN:1044-7431
1095-9327
DOI:10.1016/j.mcn.2008.08.002