We have shown previously that when postsynaptic
NMDA receptors are blocked, the frequency, but not amplitude, of spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) at synapses in the entorhinal cortex is reduced by
NMDA receptor antagonists, demonstrating that
glutamate release is tonically facilitated by presynaptic
NMDA autoreceptors. In the present study, we recorded sEPSCs using whole-cell voltage clamp in neurons in layer V in slices of the rat entorhinal cortex. Using specific antagonists for NR2A [(R)-[(S)-1-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethylamino]-(2,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxalin-5-yl)-methyl]-
phosphonic acid] and NR2B [(alphaR, betaS)-alpha-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-beta-methyl-4-(phenylmethyl)-1-piperidinepropanol hydrochloride (
Ro 25-6981)] subunit-containing receptors, we confirmed that in slices from juvenile rats (4-6 weeks of age), the
autoreceptor is predominantly of the NR1-NR2B subtype. In older (4-6 months of age) control animals, the effect of the NR2B antagonist was less marked, suggesting a decline in
autoreceptor function with development. In slices from rats (aged 4-6 months) exhibiting spontaneous recurrent
seizures induced with a
lithium-
pilocarpine protocol,
Ro 25-6981 again robustly reduced sEPSC frequency. The effect was equal to or greater than that seen in the juvenile slices and much more pronounced than that seen in the age-matched control animals. In all three groups, the NR2A antagonist was without effect on sEPSCs. These results suggest that there is a developmental decrease in
NMDA autoreceptor function, which is reversed in a chronic epileptic condition. The enhanced
autoreceptor function may contribute to seizure susceptibility and epileptogenesis in temporal lobe structures.