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Related Concept Videos

Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

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Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
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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
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Long-term Potentiation01:35

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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.
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Neuroplasticity01:01

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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.
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The Synapse02:47

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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.
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Electrical Synapses01:28

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Electrical synapses found in all nervous systems play important and unique roles. In these synapses, the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes are very close together (3.5 nm) and are actually physically connected by channel proteins forming gap junctions.
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Related Experiment Video

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

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Synapse-type-specific plasticity in local circuits.

Rylan S Larsen1, P Jesper Sjöström2

  • 1Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA 98103, USA.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|August 28, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Synaptic plasticity is now understood to be specific to synapse type, a crucial concept for brain function. Understanding this synapse-type-specific plasticity (STSP) is vital for brain research and treating synaptic diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Synaptic Plasticity Research

Background:

  • Historically, synaptic plasticity was debated as either presynaptic or postsynaptic.
  • It was later established that plasticity depends on factors like cell type.
  • Emerging evidence highlights plasticity's regulation at a finer level: synapse type.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in synapse-type-specific plasticity (STSP).
  • To discuss both long-term and short-term variants of STSP.
  • To emphasize the role of STSP in neocortical function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on synaptic plasticity.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on synapse-type specificity.
  • Synthesis of findings related to neocortical plasticity.

Main Results:

  • Synaptic plasticity is regulated specifically by synapse type (STSP).
  • Multiple forms of STSP exist, particularly in the neocortex, with many unexplored.
  • Both long-term and short-term plasticity exhibit synapse-type specificity.

Conclusions:

  • STSP is a fundamental principle governing synaptic function.
  • Understanding the diversity of STSP is essential for comprehending brain mechanisms.
  • Investigating STSP is critical for advancing research into synaptic diseases.