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Perforated synapses and plasticity. A developmental overview
D G Jones1, W Itarat, R K Calverley
1Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Insights
Perforated and nonperforated synapses are distinct populations in the rat neocortex. Perforated synapses maintain neuronal postsynaptic density surface area in adulthood, suggesting a key role in synaptic plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Synaptic Plasticity
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Existing models link perforated synapses to synaptic plasticity.
- The developmental trajectory and function of perforated synapses remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the numerical density and frequency of perforated synapses in rat neocortex across development (1 day to 22 months).
- To analyze morphological changes in perforated synapses using 3-D reconstructions.
- To investigate the role of perforated synapses in maintaining neuronal structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the disector procedure for stereological quantification of synapse density.
- Employed 3-D computer reconstructions to assess synaptic morphology.
- Studied synapse populations in rat neocortex across a wide age range.
Main Results:
- Perforated and nonperforated synapses appear as distinct populations early in development.
- Perforated synapses contribute to maintaining neuronal postsynaptic density surface area from mid-adulthood.
- Evidence suggests a crucial role for perforated synapses in synaptic plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Perforated synapses are a distinct population with a specific developmental trajectory.
- These synapses are vital for maintaining neuronal structure in adult brains.
- Their precise role in synaptic plasticity may differ from current hypotheses.
Abstract:
Against a background of existing models relating perforated synapses to synaptic plasticity, the numerical density and frequency of perforated synapses in rat neocortex have been assessed from 1 d to 22 mo of age using the disector procedure, and changes in their morphology were assessed using 3-D computer reconstructions. The data point toward perforated and nonperforated synapses being separate synaptic populations from early in development, and with perforated synapses playing a part in the maintenance of neuronal postsynaptic density surface area from mid-adulthood onwards. This suggests that they play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, although its nature may be different from that postulated by most recent workers.