Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
10:59
Investigations on Alterations of Hippocampal Circuit Function Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: November 19, 2012
Rapid dendritic morphogenesis in CA1 hippocampal dendrites induced by synaptic activity
M Maletic-Savatic1, R Malinow, K Svoboda
1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 19, 1999
Summary
Synaptic activity rapidly enhances dendritic growth in developing neurons. This activity-dependent structural change, mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, may shape neural circuit development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Neuronal structure and circuit formation are influenced by neural activity.
- Understanding how synaptic activity shapes neuronal morphology is crucial for comprehending neural development.
Discussion:
- High-frequency synaptic stimulation triggers rapid, localized, and long-lasting growth of dendritic filopodia.
- This activity-induced structural plasticity is specific to the stimulated input.
- Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors inhibits this synaptically evoked growth.
Key Insights:
- Synaptic activation directly and rapidly alters dendritic structure.
- Dendritic morphogenesis is input-specific and activity-dependent.
- Filopodia protrusions are key structures involved in activity-dependent growth.
Outlook:
- Activity-dependent structural changes in dendrites may underlie the formation and refinement of neural circuits.
- This mechanism could play a role in learning and memory consolidation.
- Further research can explore the molecular pathways involved in this rapid structural plasticity.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:31Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Cells migrating in response to external stimuli form lamellipodia, which are thin membrane protrusions supported by a mesh of linked, branched, or unbranched actin filaments. These actin filaments interact with myosin motor proteins, creating the dynamic actomyosin complex within the cytoskeleton. Contractility, or the ability to generate contractile stress, is inherent to the actomyosin complex. It helps cells detect the stiffness of the surrounding ECM and exert contractile force for...
01:27Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
01:14Action Potential
Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...
01:28Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
The action potential is a complex electrical event that occurs in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. It consists of several distinct phases, each with specific characteristics.
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
01:30Cardiac Action Potential
Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials