Abstract
Few studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) focus on the inhibitory interneurons synapsing onto motoneurons (MNs). However, inhibitory interneurons could contribute to dysfunction, particularly if altered before MN neuropathology and establish a long-term imbalance of inhibition / excitation. We directly assessed excitability and morphology of glycinergic (GlyT2) interneurons located throughout the ventral horn in the lumbar enlargement from SOD1G93AGlyT2eGFP (SOD1) and wildtype GlyT2eGFP (WT) mice on postnatal day 6 to 10. Patch clamp revealed dampened excitability in SOD1 interneurons, including depolarized persistent inward currents (PICs), depolarized threshold for firing action potentials, and a shortened afterhyperpolarization (AHP). SOD1 inhibitory interneurons also had smaller somata but primary dendrites showed larger volume and surface area than WT. GlyT2 interneurons were then divided into 3 subgroups based on location: (1) interneurons within 100 μm of the ventral white matter, where Renshaw cells (RCs) are located, (2) interneurons interspersed with MNs in lamina IX, and (3) interneurons in the intermediate ventral area including laminae VII and VIII. Ventral interneurons were the most profoundly affected, including more depolarized PICs, smaller somata and larger primary dendrites. Interneurons in lamina IX had depolarized PIC onset, smaller somata and longer primary dendrites. In lamina VII-VIII, interneurons were largely unaffected, mainly showing smaller somata. In summary, inhibitory interneurons show very early region-specific perturbations poised to impact excitatory / inhibitory balance of MNs, modify motor output, and provide early biomarkers of ALS. Therapeutics like riluzole which universally reduce CNS excitability could exacerbate the inhibitory dysfunction described here.
SOD1 glycinergic interneurons in the ventral horn show altered morphology and excitability, including depolarization of PICs, depolarized threshold, shorter AHPs, smaller somata and larger primary dendrites. Ventrally located interneurons are the most prominently affected.
Key Points Summary
Spinal inhibitory interneurons could contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology, but their excitability has never been directly measured.
We studied the excitability and morphology of glycinergic interneurons in postnatal transgenic mice (SOD1G93AGlyT2eGFP).
Interneurons were less excitable and had smaller somas but larger primary dendrites in SOD1 mice.
GlyT2 interneurons were analyzed according to their localization within the ventral spinal cord. Interestingly, the greatest differences were observed in the most ventrally-located interneurons.
We conclude that inhibitory interneurons show presymptomatic changes that may contribute to excitatory / inhibitory imbalance in ALS.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
