Presynaptic GABAB receptors modulate synaptic facilitation and depression at distinct synapses in fusiform cells of mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus

The mammalian dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is considered to contribute to the localization of the sound sources. Fusiform cells (FCs), principal projection neurons in the DCN, integrate two excitatory inputs from auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) and parallel fibers (PFs). Although an immunohistochemical study suggested presence of GABAB receptors at excitatory presynaptic terminals in the DCN, it has not been elucidated how GABAB receptors modulate the synaptic transmission to FCs. Here, we examined effects of baclofen on the transmission in vitro. Baclofen reduced both PF-EPSC and ANF-EPSC by reducing transmitter releases, and it enhanced the facilitation in PF-FC synapses and prevented the depression in ANF-FC synapses. The enhancement and prevention were prominent during high-frequency (50 Hz) synaptic input, suggesting the activation of presynaptic GABAB receptors may optimize both PF-FC and ANF-FC synapses for high-frequency transmission. Postsynaptic GABAB receptors activated GIRK current and would further modulate the activity of FCs.