Generation of center-surround antagonistic receptive fields in the outer retina occurs via inhibitory feedback modulation of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels in cone photoreceptor synaptic terminals. Both conventional and unconventional neurotransmitters, as well as an ephaptic effect, have been proposed, but the intercellular messaging that mediates the inhibitory feedback signal from postsynaptic horizontal cells (HCs) to cones remains unknown. We examined the possibility that proton concentration in the synaptic cleft is regulated by HCs and that it carries the feedback signal to cones. In isolated, dark-adapted goldfish retina, we assessed feedback in the responses of HCs to light and found that strengthened pH buffering reduced both rollback and the depolarization to red light. In zebrafish retinal slices loaded with Fluo-4, depolarization with elevated K ϩ increased Ca signals in the synaptic terminals of cone photoreceptors. Kainic acid, which depolarizes HCs but has no direct effect on cones, depressed the K ϩ -induced Ca signal, whereas CNQX, which hyperpolarizes HCs, increased the Ca signals, suggesting that polarization of HCs alters inhibitory feedback to cones. We found that these feedback signals were blocked by elevated extracellular pH buffering, as well as amiloride and divalent cations. Voltage clamp of isolated HCs revealed an amiloride-sensitive conductance that could mediate modulation of cleft pH dependent on the membrane potential of these postsynaptic cells.

Desensitization is an important mechanism that curtails the activity of ligand-gated ion-channels (LGICs). Although the structural basis of desensitization is not fully resolved, it is thought to be governed by the physicochemical properties of the bound ligand. Here, we show the importance of an allosteric cation binding pocket in controlling transitions between activated and desensitized states of rat kainate-type (KAR) ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). Tethering a positive charge to this pocket sustains KAR activation, preventing desensitization, whereas mutations that disrupt cation binding eliminate channel gating. These different outcomes explain the structural distinction between deactivation and desensitization. Deactivation occurs when the ligand unbinds before the cation, whereas desensitization proceeds if a ligand is bound without cation pocket occupancy. This sequence of events is absent from AMPA-type iGluRs, identifying cations as gatekeepers of KAR gating, a role unique among even closely-related LGICs.

Neuronal communication imposes a heavy metabolic burden in maintaining ionic gradients essential for action potential firing and synaptic signaling. Although cellular metabolism is known to regulate excitatory neurotransmission, it is still unclear whether the brain’s energy supply affects inhibitory signaling. Here we show that mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (mROS) regulate the strength of postsynaptic GABAA receptors at inhibitory synapses of cerebellar stellate cells. Inhibition is strengthened through a mechanism that selectively recruits α3-containing GABAA receptors into synapses with no discernible effect on resident α1-containing receptors. Since mROS promotes the emergence of postsynaptic events with unique kinetic properties, we conclude that newly-recruited α3-containing GABAA receptors are activated by neurotransmitter released onto discrete postsynaptic sites. Although traditionally associated with oxidative stress in neurodegenerative disease, our data identifies mROS as a putative homeostatic signaling molecule coupling cellular metabolism to the strength of inhibitory transmission.

Summary Aim : To evaluate treatment efficacy using objective quality criteria. Methods : A systematic review was performed of randomized controlled trials of endoscopically investigated dyspepsia (1979–2003) using the Jadad score and Rome II guidelines. The Jadad score differentiated studies as ‘high quality’ (score 4–5/5) vs. ‘poor quality’ (score 1–3/5). Three key Rome II guidelines on study design (cut‐off of 0/3 or > 0/3) were also compared with the Jadad score. Results : Poor quality trials suggested a benefit of prokinetic therapy [relative risk (RR) of remaining dyspeptic, 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–0.56), which was not confirmed in high quality trials (RR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.84–1.19). There was a marked benefit of H2‐receptor antagonist therapy in poor quality trials (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61–0.76), but a marginal benefit in good quality trials (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79–0.97). Trial quality did not affect the small statistically significant benefit seen with Helicobacter pylori eradication. Two high quality trials suggested a limited benefit with the use of proton pump inhibitors, with no poor quality trials to provide a comparison. Separation of the studies by the Rome II criteria had a similar impact on the calculated treatment estimates. Conclusions : The magnitude of benefit of prokinetic and H2‐receptor antagonist therapies reported in previous meta‐analyses has been over‐estimated. The quality of trials has an impact on the efficacy estimates of treatment. The Rome II criteria for study methodology may be appropriate for judging study quality.

Key points• This study identifies the gating structure responsible for controlling ion-channel subconductance behaviour at a major neurotransmitter receptor, namely kainate-type ionotropic glutamate receptor.• Evidence is provided that the activation process may be made up of two clearly distinct conductance phases.• The study speculates that functional diversity amongst ionotropic glutamate receptors emerged during evolution by re-deploying the same structures to carry out different tasks.Abstract Kainate-selective ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) fulfil key roles in the CNS, making them the subject of detailed structural and functional analyses. Although they are known to gate a channel pore with high and low ion-permeation rates, it is still not clear how switches between these gating modes are achieved at the structural level. Here, we uncover an unexpected role for the ligand-binding domain (LBD) dimer assembly in this process. Covalent crosslinking of the dimer interface keeps kainate receptors out of the main open state but permits access to lower conductance states suggesting that significant rearrangements of the dimer interface are required for the receptor to achieve full activation. These observations differ from NMDA-selective iGluRs where constraining dimer movement reduces open-channel probability. In contrast, our data show that restricting movement of the dimer interface interferes with conformational changes that underlie both activation and desensitization. Working within the limits of a common architectural design, we propose functionally diverse iGluR families were able to emerge during evolution by re-deploying existing gating structures to fulfil different tasks.