Distinct mechanisms of CB1 and GABA(B) receptor presynaptic modulation of striatal indirect pathway projections to mouse globus pallidus

ABSTRACT: Presynaptic modulation is a fundamental process regulating synaptic transmission. Striatal indirect pathway projections originate from A2A‐expressing spiny projection neurons (iSPNs), targeting the globus pallidus external segment (GPe) and control the firing of the tonically active GPe neurons via GABA release. It is unclear if and how the presynaptic G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), GABA(B) and CB1 receptors modulate iSPN‐GPe projections. Here we used an optogenetic platform to study presynaptic Ca(2+) and GABAergic transmission at iSPN projections, using a genetic strategy to express the calcium sensor GCaMP6f or the excitatory channelrhodopsin (hChR2) on iSPNs. We found that P/Q‐type calcium channels are the primary voltage‐gated Ca(2+) channel (VGCC) subtype controlling presynaptic calcium and GABA release at iSPN‐GPe projections. N‐type and L‐type VGCCs also contribute to GABA release at iSPN‐GPe synapses. GABA(B) receptor activation resulted in a reversible inhibition of presynaptic Ca(2+) transients (PreCaTs) and an inhibition of GABAergic transmission at iSPN‐GPe synapses. CB1 receptor activation did not inhibit PreCaTs but inhibited GABAergic transmission at iSPN‐GPe projections. CB1 effects on GABAergic transmission persisted in experiments where Na(V) and K(V)1 were blocked, indicating a VGCC‐ and K(V)1‐independent presynaptic mechanism of action of CB1 receptors. Taken together, presynaptic modulation of iSPN‐GPe projections by CB1 and GABA(B) receptors is mediated by distinct mechanisms. [Image: see text] KEY POINTS: P/Q‐type are the predominant voltage‐gated Ca(2+) channels controlling presynaptic Ca(2+) and GABA release on the striatal indirect pathway projections. GABA(B) receptors modulate iSPN‐GPe projections via a VGCC‐dependent mechanism. CB1 receptors modulate iSPN‐GPe projections via a VGCC‐independent mechanism.