Differential control of thrombospondin over synaptic glycine and AMPA receptors in spinal cord neurons

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a large extracellular matrix protein secreted by astrocytes during development and inflammation. In the developing CNS, TSP-1 is involved in neuronal migration and adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. We investigated the effects of TSP-1 on neurons with mature synapses using immunocytochemistry, single-particle tracking, surface biotinylation, and calcium imaging. We show that in cultured rat spinal cord neurons TSP-1 decreased neuronal excitability by reducing the accumulation of excitatory AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and increasing that of inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs) in synapses. The effects of TSP-1 on GlyRs were dependent on the activation of excitatory receptors. These changes were abolished by blocking β1-integrins and mimicked by blocking β3-integrins. In the presence of TSP-1, AMPARs were less stabilized at synapses, increasing their lateral diffusion and endocytosis. Interestingly, TSP-1 counteracted the increased neuronal excitability and neuronal death induced by TNFα. These results suggest a role of TSP-1 in controlling the balance between excitation and inhibition which could help the recovery of normal synaptic activity after injury responses.