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Related Concept Videos

Long-term Potentiation01:35

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Potentiation01:25

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)01:32

Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)

Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters01:29

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of specific...
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...

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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
16:36

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels

Published on: May 18, 2009

P2X receptors and synaptic plasticity.

Y Pankratov1, U Lalo, O A Krishtal

  • 1The University of Warwick, Department of Biological Sciences, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.

Neuroscience
|May 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) via P2X receptors. These receptors modulate synaptic plasticity, but their precise regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.

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Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells
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Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells

Published on: April 3, 2019

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
16:36

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels

Published on: May 18, 2009

Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells
11:47

Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells

Published on: April 3, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular signaling
  • Synaptic transmission

Background:

  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is co-released with neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA in the CNS.
  • ATP's postsynaptic actions are mediated by P2Y and P2X receptors on neural cells.
  • P2X receptor activation generates fast excitatory postsynaptic currents in brain regions like the hippocampus and cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of P2X receptors in regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity in the CNS.
  • To investigate the mechanisms underlying P2X receptor-mediated modulation of synaptic strength.
  • To dissect P2X-mediated effects on presynaptic terminals, postsynaptic membranes, and glial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Electrophysiological recordings to measure postsynaptic currents.
  • Calcium imaging to assess Ca2+ influx through P2X receptors.
  • Pharmacological manipulation of P2X receptor activity.
  • Studies on interactions between P2X receptors and other neurotransmitter receptors (NMDA, GABA(A), ACh).

Main Results:

  • P2X receptors are highly permeable to Ca2+, mediating significant Ca2+ influx at resting membrane potential.
  • P2X receptor activation dynamically interacts with other neurotransmitter receptors.
  • Activation of P2X receptors exhibits context-dependent modulatory effects on synaptic plasticity, either inhibiting or facilitating long-term changes in synaptic strength.

Conclusions:

  • P2X receptors play a significant role in modulating synaptic transmission and plasticity in the CNS.
  • The precise mechanisms of P2X receptor-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity require further investigation.
  • Comprehensive analysis of P2X receptor functions across different cellular compartments is essential for understanding their role in neural circuits.