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Silent synapses in pain-related anterior cingulate cortex
Min Zhuo1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, China.
Molecular Pain
|May 25, 2023
Summary
Silent synapses, previously thought to exist only in developing brains, are found in adult cortices and can be activated by Long-term potentiation (LTP) protocols. These synapses and receptor modifications may contribute to chronic pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Synaptic Plasticity
- Pain Research
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity, including Long-term potentiation (LTP), is crucial for learning in the central nervous system.
- Silent synapses, characterized by the absence of functional AMPA receptors, are typically found in developing cortices but recent evidence suggests their presence in mature adult synapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of silent synapses in mature cortical circuits.
- To explore the potential involvement of silent synapses and receptor modifications in chronic pain, including phantom limb pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence on silent synapse existence and recruitment in adult cortex.
- Analysis of the proposed mechanisms of silent synapse activation by LTP-inducing protocols.
- Examination of the link between synaptic plasticity, silent synapses, and pain pathways.
Main Results:
- Silent synapses exist in mature adult cortical synapses and can be recruited by LTP-inducing and chemical-induced LTP protocols.
- These synapses may contribute to cortical excitation in pain-related regions following peripheral injury.
- Recruitment of new cortical circuits via silent synapses is implicated in pain mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Silent synapses play a significant role in the mature cortex and can be modulated by plasticity mechanisms.
- Modifications in AMPA and NMDA receptors, alongside silent synapse activity, are proposed to be key factors in the development and maintenance of chronic pain states.
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