Abstract
Transforming growth factor‐βs (TGF‐βs) are widely expressed and play roles as multifunctional growth factors and regulators of key events in development, disease, and repair. However, it is not known whether TGF‐βs affect the plasticity of hippocampal neurons. As a first step to address this issue, we examined whether TGF‐β2 modulated the electrophysiological and biochemical properties of cultured hippocampal neurons. We found that prolonged 24 h treatment with TGF‐β2 induced facilitation of evoked postsynaptic currents (ePSCs). This facilitation was associated with a decrease in short‐term synaptic depression of ePSCs and increases in both the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs). The long‐term changes of ePSCs and mPSCs may be associated with cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), which has been previously implicated in long‐term potentiation. Immunofluorescence techniques and Western blot analysis both revealed that TGF‐β2 enhanced the phosphorylation of CREB. Together, these results suggest that TGF‐β2 may play a role in the cascade of events underlying long‐term synaptic facilitation in hippocampus, and that CREB may be an important mediator of these effects. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.