INTRODUCTION: Dentate gyrus(DG), positioned between the entorhinal cortex and CA3 area of the hippocampus, is critical for learning, memory, spatial navigation, and mood regulation. Decreased DG neurogenesis is hypothesized to be an underlying factor of depression. Additionally, deficits in DG granule cells(DGCs) have been shown to contribute to the development of various psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder(MDD). Wistar Kyoto(WKY) rats show intrinsic depression traits, including despair-like behavior, passive coping with stress as well as exaggerated physiological response to stressful environment.

AIM(S): We aimed to electrophysiologically characterize dentate gyrus granule cells in Wistar and Wistar Kyoto rats.

METHOD(S): We performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings of DG granule cells, focusing on their intrinsic passive membrane properties. Neurons were filled with biocytin during recording and slices were later treated with streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores to confirm neuronal phenotype.

RESULTS: Preliminary recordings have revealed a heterogenous distribution of electrophysiological features of DG granule cells in both strains.

CONCLUSIONS: This characterization might contribute towards understanding the distinct neural substrates of the behavioral characteristics and treatment-resistant phenotype observed in Wistar Kyoto rats. These findings highlight the DG as a potential target for understanding the cellular basis of depressive-like traits.