Amyloid-β Protein Precursor Regulates Electrophysiological Properties in the Hippocampus via Altered Kv1.4 Expression and Function in Mice

Background: Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) is enriched in neurons. However, the mechanism underlying AβPP regulation of neuronal activity is poorly understood. Potassium channels are critically involved in neuronal excitability. In hippocampus, A-type potassium channels are highly expressed and involved in determining neuronal spiking. Objective: We explored hippocampal local field potential (LFP) and spiking in the presence and absence of AβPP, and the potential involvement of an A-type potassium channel. Methods: We used in vivo extracellular recording and whole-cell patch-clamp recording to determine neuronal activity, current density of A-type potassium currents, and western blot to detect changes in related protein levels. Results: Abnormal LFP was observed in AβPP–/– mice, including reduced beta and gamma power, and increased epsilon and ripple power. The firing rate of glutamatergic neurons reduced significantly, in line with an increased action potential rheobase. Given that A-type potassium channels regulate neuronal firing, we measured the protein levels and function of two major A-type potassium channels and found that the post-transcriptional level of Kv1.4, but not Kv4.2, was significantly increased in the AβPP–/– mice. This resulted in a marked increase in the peak time of A-type transient outward potassium currents in both glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) neurons. Furthermore, a mechanistic experiment using human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells revealed that the AβPP deficiency-induced increase in Kv1.4 may not involve protein-protein interaction between AβPP and Kv1.4. Conclusion: This study suggests that AβPP modulates neuronal firing and oscillatory activity in the hippocampus, and Kv1.4 may be involved in mediating the modulation.