Induction of Long-Term Depression in Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons in a Mouse Brain Slice

Begin with a mouse cerebellar brain slice containing parallel fibers, climbing fibers and Purkinje cells, essential for motor control.

The slice is submerged in an artificial cerebrospinal fluid, with a recording electrode attached to a Purkinje cell and stimulating electrodes near the parallel and climbing fibers.

Apply electrical stimuli to the parallel fibers, prompting the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter near the Purkinje cell.

The neurotransmitters bind to the glutamate receptors, leading to ion influx that activates the Purkinje cells and generates an electrical signal.

Adjust the stimulus intensity for an optimum response from the Purkinje cells.

Next, deliver repetitive stimulations to the climbing and parallel fibers.

The climbing fiber stimuli activate voltage-gated calcium channels on the Purkinje cell, causing a significant calcium influx.

This triggers the internalization of glutamate receptors, reducing the cell's sensitivity to glutamate.

This induces long-term depression, characterized by a diminished response to parallel fiber stimulation.