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Related Concept Videos

Long-term Potentiation

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...

Long-term Potentiation

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.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.

Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

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...

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

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...

Long-term Depression

Long-term Depression

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

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

Published on: May 18, 2020

Glia: the many ways to modulate synaptic plasticity.

S Ben Achour¹, O Pascual

¹Ecole Normale Supérieure, INSERM U789, Paris, France.

Neurochemistry International

|March 3, 2010

Summary

Glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia, actively modulate synaptic plasticity, a key process for learning and memory. These cells influence neuronal function through various mechanisms, impacting synaptic strength and brain function.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Neuroimmunology

Background:

Synaptic plasticity, the change in synaptic strength, is fundamental to learning and memory.
Traditionally considered a neuronal function, recent research highlights glial cell involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of astrocytes and microglia in modulating synaptic plasticity.
To understand the mechanisms by which glial cells influence neuronal function.

Main Methods:

Review of recent physiological and molecular studies on glial cells.
Analysis of glial cell expression of neurotransmitter receptors.
Examination of neuroactive substances released by glial cells.

Main Results:

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Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

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Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

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Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity

Published on: May 18, 2020

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Published on: March 20, 2014

Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Published on: September 20, 2024

Astrocytes and microglia express neurotransmitter receptors and release neuroactive substances.
Glial cells modulate synaptic plasticity through mechanisms like synaptic coverage changes and release of signaling molecules.
Glial modulation affects synaptic scaling, homeostatic plasticity, metaplasticity, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression.

Conclusions:

Glial cells are integral players in synaptic plasticity, extending beyond their supportive and immune roles.
The diverse mechanisms employed by glial cells significantly impact neuronal network function and plasticity.