Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Neuroscience Research Center, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
Cell Rep. 2018 May 29;23(9):2541-2549. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.095.
The role of mossy cells (MCs) of the hippocampal dentate area has long remained mysterious. Recent research has begun to unveil their significance in spatial computation of the hippocampus. Here, we used an in vitro model of sharp wave-ripple complexes (SWRs), which contribute to hippocampal memory formation, to investigate MC involvement in this fundamental population activity. We find that a significant fraction of MCs (∼47%) is recruited into the active neuronal network during SWRs in the CA3 area. Moreover, MCs receive pronounced, ripple-coherent, excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input. Finally, we find evidence for SWR-related synaptic activity in granule cells that is mediated by MCs. Given the widespread connectivity of MCs within and between hippocampi, our data suggest a role for MCs as a hub functionally coupling the CA3 and the DG during ripple-associated computations.
海马齿状回苔藓细胞（MCs）的作用长期以来一直是个谜。最近的研究开始揭示它们在海马体空间计算中的重要性。在这里，我们使用了有助于海马体记忆形成的尖锐波-涟漪复合体（SWR）的体外模型，来研究 MC 参与这一基本群体活动的情况。我们发现，在 CA3 区的 SWR 期间，相当一部分 MCs（约 47%）被招募到活跃的神经元网络中。此外，MCs 接收明显的、涟漪一致的、兴奋性和抑制性突触输入。最后，我们发现了颗粒细胞中与 SWR 相关的突触活动的证据，这些活动是由 MCs 介导的。鉴于 MCs 在海马体内部和之间的广泛连接，我们的数据表明 MCs 在与涟漪相关的计算中作为功能性连接 CA3 和 DG 的中枢的作用。
