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Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
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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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A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
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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...
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The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
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Beyond synapses: cytoplasmic connections in brain function and evolution.

Malalaniaina Rakotobe1, Chiara Zurzolo1

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Neuroscience is exploring non-synaptic communication pathways, like intercellular bridges and tunnelling nanotubes, between neural cells. These cytoplasmic connections offer new insights into brain evolution and function.

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cell–cell fusioncytoplasmic connectionsintercellular bridges (IBs)non‐synaptic communicationtunnelling nanotubes (TNTs)

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The neuron doctrine, focusing on synapses, has historically overshadowed non-synaptic neural communication.
  • Golgi suggested non-synaptic interactions, a concept gaining recent validation.
  • Direct cellular communication occurs via intercellular bridges (IBs), tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), and cell fusion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review non-synaptic communication modes in neural cells.
  • To describe the morphology and function of these connections.
  • To discuss recent findings and their evolutionary implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of neuroscience and cell biology studies.
  • Analysis of morphological and functional data on non-synaptic connections.
  • Inclusion of recent in vivo findings in ctenophores and mice.

Main Results:

  • Non-synaptic communication exists through IBs, TNTs, and cell fusion.
  • These pathways play roles in neural cell communication.
  • Recent studies provide evolutionary insights into these connections.

Conclusions:

  • Cytoplasmic connections are crucial for neural communication during development and disease.
  • Investigating non-synaptic pathways is vital for understanding neural communication and evolution.
  • This review emphasizes the significance of non-synaptic communication in metazoans.