Title: Synaptic plasticity at intrathalamic connections via CaV3.3 T-type Ca2+ channels and GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors.

Authors: Simone Astori, Anita Lüthi

Journal, date & volume: J. Neurosci., 2013 Jan 9 , 33, 624-30

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23303941

Abstract
The T-type Ca(2+) channels encoded by the Ca(V)3 genes are well established electrogenic drivers for burst discharge. Here, using Ca(V)3.3(-/-) mice we found that Ca(V)3.3 channels trigger synaptic plasticity in reticular thalamic neurons. Burst discharge via Ca(V)3.3 channels induced long-term potentiation at thalamoreticular inputs when coactivated with GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors, which are the dominant subtype at these synapses. Notably, oscillatory burst discharge of reticular neurons is typical for sleep-related rhythms, suggesting that sleep contributes to strengthening intrathalamic circuits.