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Related Experiment Videos

Ultrastructural correlates of quantal synaptic function at single CNS synapses.

P J Mackenzie1, G S Kenner, O Prange

  • 1Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research, Departments of Psychiatry and Physiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|June 15, 1999
PubMed
Summary

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Synapse size correlates with the strength of neural responses. Larger excitatory synapses, identified via calcium imaging and electron microscopy, show greater NMDA receptor activity, impacting synaptic transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

  • Functional differences in synapses are crucial for neural computation.
  • The relationship between synaptic ultrastructure and function remains incompletely understood.
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a key role in excitatory synaptic transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between synaptic ultrastructure and function in cultured cortical neurons.
  • To determine if synapse size correlates with the amplitude of NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses.
  • To explore the implications for regulating quantal synaptic amplitude.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized calcium (Ca2+) imaging to measure NMDA receptor-mediated miniature synaptic calcium transients.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Employed serial transmission electron microscopy to analyze synaptic ultrastructure.
  • Quantified spine size and synaptic contact area at identified excitatory synapses.

    • Main Results:

    • Confirmed the presence of excitatory synapses at sites of NMDA receptor-dependent Ca2+ transients.
    • Demonstrated a positive correlation between synapse size and the amplitude of NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses.
    • Found that larger synapses likely express a greater number of NMDA receptors.

    Conclusions:

    • Synapse size is a significant determinant of functional synaptic strength.
    • Regulation of quantal synaptic amplitude may involve alterations in synapse size.
    • Ultrastructural properties directly influence synaptic function in cortical neurons.