Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025
10:52
Evaluation of Synaptic Multiplicity Using Whole-cell Patch-clamp Electrophysiology
Published on: April 23, 2019
13.1K
Synaptic plasticity and mental health: methods, challenges and opportunities
Lawrence G Appelbaum1, Mohammad Ali Shenasa2, Louise Stolz2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. greg@health.ucsd.edu.
Summary
Synaptic plasticity, the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Synaptic plasticity
- Brain function
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity is crucial for memory and learning.
- It follows developmental and aging patterns.
- Dysfunctional plasticity is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review mechanisms of neural plasticity.
- Discuss historical and future imaging techniques.
- Highlight therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Hemodynamic measures
- Structural and tracer imaging
- Noninvasive neuromodulation
Main Results:
- These methods image structural and functional changes in plasticity.
- They link synaptic changes to behavioral learning.
- They aid in understanding psychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
- Techniques for imaging synaptic plasticity are advancing.
- Emerging therapeutics show promise for psychiatric disorders.
- Challenges and opportunities exist in this field.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
735
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.
735
01:25Long-term Potentiation
2.9K
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...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
2.9K
01:03Long-term Depression
2.6K
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...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.6K
01:28Integration of Synaptic Events
2.1K
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...
2.1K
01:26Chemical Synapses
3.2K
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
3.2K
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
939
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
939