T-type calcium channels contribute to NMDA receptor independent synaptic plasticity in hippocampal regular-spiking oriens-alveus interneurons

NMDA receptor independent long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal stratum oriens-alveus (O/A) interneurons requires co-activation of postsynaptic group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors. The rectification properties of such AMPA receptors contribute to the preferential induction of LTP at hyperpolarized potentials. A persistent increase in excitatory transmission can also be triggered by exogenous activation of group I mGluRs at the same time as the interneuron is hyperpolarized, or by postsynaptic trains of action potentials in the absence of presynaptic stimulation. In the present study, we identify low-threshold transient (T-type) channels as a further source of Ca2+ that contributes to synaptic plasticity. T-type Ca2+ currents were detected in mouse regular-spiking O/A interneurons. Blocking T-type currents pharmacologically prevented LTP induced by high-frequency stimulation of glutamatergic axons, or by application of the group I mGluR agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine, paired with postsynaptic hyperpolarization. T-type current blockade also prevented synaptic potentiation induced by postsynaptic action potential trains. Several sources of Ca2+ thus converge on NMDA receptor independent LTP induction in O/A interneurons.