Mechanisms and significance of GABAergic synaptic deinhibition in motor learning

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11168
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Kida Hiroyuki 山口大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 講師 (70432739)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 運動学習 / GABA / スパイン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Activity-dependent plasticity in the brain is the neural basis of learning and is also involved in skill learning in the primary motor cortex (M1). To elucidate the mechanism of synaptic plasticity in layer V, we conducted electrophysiological experiments, spine observations using two photon microscopy, and quantitative evaluation of acetylcholine secretion using microdialysis. An increase in spine head was observed immediately after motor learning, along with disinhibition that decreased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Furthermore, a significant correlation between acetylcholine and motor scores was observed.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

AChによる興奮性活動の上昇はM1ニューロンのスパイン可塑性を含めた神経可塑性を誘発するトリガーとなると考えられる。本研究により、M1のV層における細胞特異的なシナプス可塑性様式および、アセチルコリンの役割が明らかになった。