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Integration of Synaptic Events

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...

Propagation of Action Potentials

Propagation of Action Potentials

The propagation of an action potential refers to the process by which a nerve impulse, or "action potential," travels along a neuron.
Neurons (nerve cells) have a resting membrane potential, with a slightly negative charge inside compared to outside. This is maintained by ion channels, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) channels, which control the flow of ions. When a stimulus, like a touch or a signal from another neuron, triggers the neuron, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to...

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.

Synaptic Signaling

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 Signaling

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.

Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)

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...

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Related Experiment Video

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Real-time Electrophysiology: Using Closed-loop Protocols to Probe Neuronal Dynamics and Beyond

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Published on: June 24, 2015

Synaptic gating at axonal branches, and sharp-wave ripples with replay: a simulation study.

Nikita Vladimirov¹, Yuhai Tu, Roger D Traub

¹IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA.

The European Journal of Neuroscience

|September 3, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new model explains how synaptic potentials gate neuronal replay during sharp-wave ripples (SPW-Rs). This mechanism allows sequences of pyramidal cells to be replayed, offering insights into memory consolidation and brain function.

Keywords:

CA1 gap junction hippocampus place cell

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Published on: May 25, 2011

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Computational Neuroscience

Background:

Place cell replay during sharp-wave ripples (SPW-Rs) is crucial for memory consolidation but its mechanisms remain unclear.
In vitro studies suggest non-synaptic mechanisms, like gap junctions, underlie ripples, contrasting with in vivo observations.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose a novel model for in vivo SPW-Rs that integrates synaptic mechanisms.
To explain how neuronal replay occurs during SPW-Rs through synaptic gating.

Main Methods:

Development of a computational model simulating in vivo SPW-Rs.
Integration of synaptic excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) with axonal gap junction networks.
Analysis of action potential propagation and conduction failures.

Main Results:

The model demonstrates that synaptic EPSPs can gate axonal spiking, controlling ripple activity.
Neuronal sequences can be replayed at ripple frequency via superposition of EPSPs and axonal network activity.
The model explains both forward and reverse replay directions and reconciles in vitro and in vivo data.

Conclusions:

Synaptic gating is a key mechanism for controlling neuronal replay during SPW-Rs in vivo.
Pyramidal cells can function as 'synaptic transistors,' modulating information flow.
This model provides testable predictions for future experimental validation.