Ca2+ and synaptic plasticity
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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Investigation of Synaptic Tagging/Capture and Cross-capture using Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rodents
Published on: September 4, 2015
R Chittajallu1, S Alford, G L Collingridge
1Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Bristol, UK. r.chittajallu@bris.ac.uk
Abstract:
A major effort in neuroscience is directed towards understanding the roles of Ca2+ signalling in the induction of synaptic plasticity. Here, we summarize the evidence concerning Ca2+ signalling, paying particular attention to CA1 excitatory synapses, and its relationship to the induction of long-term potentiation and long-term depression. We discuss the ways in which synaptic activation can elevate Ca2+ postsynaptically and how dendritic spines may act as a Ca2+ compartment which can both isolate and integrate Ca2+ signals.
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