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Related Concept Videos

Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Chemical Synapses01:26

Chemical Synapses

Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Integration of Synaptic Events01:28

Integration of Synaptic Events

Synaptic integration mainly includes the summation of graded potentials. Graded potentials, regardless of their type, cause subtle alterations in membrane voltage, resulting in either depolarization or hyperpolarization. These incremental changes, when combined or summed, can propel the neuron toward its threshold. Consider, for example, a membrane experiencing a +15 mV shift, causing it to depolarize from -70 mV to -55 mV. In this scenario, graded potentials govern the membrane's ability to...
The Synapse02:47

The Synapse

Neurons communicate with one another by passing on their electrical signals to other neurons. A synapse is the location where two neurons meet to exchange signals. At the synapse, the neuron that sends the signal is called the presynaptic cell, while the neuron that receives the message is called the postsynaptic cell. Note that most neurons can be both presynaptic and postsynaptic, as they both transmit and receive information.
Synaptic Signaling01:09

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Synaptic Signaling01:12

Synaptic Signaling

Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
10:52

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

Synaptic homeostasis on the fast track.

Gregory T Macleod1, Konrad E Zinsmaier

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.

Neuron
|November 23, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Synaptic homeostasis quickly adjusts nervous system function. Researchers found that in Drosophila, postsynaptic changes are rapidly counteracted by increased neurotransmitter release, requiring the Cacophony calcium channel.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Plasticity
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Synaptic homeostasis maintains nervous system stability.
  • It was previously thought to be a slow developmental process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the timescale of synaptic homeostasis at Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs).
  • To identify the mechanisms underlying rapid homeostatic adjustments.

Main Methods:

  • Electrophysiological recordings at Drosophila NMJs.
  • Genetic manipulation of presynaptic calcium channels.

Main Results:

  • Postsynaptic changes are offset within minutes.
  • This rapid compensation requires a homeostatic increase in neurotransmitter release.

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Last Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
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Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology

Published on: April 23, 2019

An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins
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An Optical Assay for Synaptic Vesicle Recycling in Cultured Neurons Overexpressing Presynaptic Proteins

Published on: June 26, 2018

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A High-content Assay for Monitoring AMPA Receptor Trafficking

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  • The presynaptic calcium channel Cacophony is essential for this process.

    • Conclusions:

    • Synaptic homeostasis at Drosophila NMJs is a rapid, minutes-timescale process.
    • Presynaptic Cacophony-dependent neurotransmitter release is critical for rapid synaptic scaling.