Synaptic plasticity

This article is about synaptic plasticity. For the role of synapse formation and stabilization in plasticity, see Synaptic stabilization. For the general concept of brain plasticity, see neuroplasticity and Synaptic stabilization.
Synaptic plasticity rule for gradient estimation by dynamic perturbation of conductances

In neuroscience, synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.[1] Since memories are postulated to be represented by vastly interconnected neural circuits in the brain, synaptic plasticity is one of the important neurochemical foundations of learning and memory (see Hebbian theory).

Plastic change often results from the alteration of the number of neurotransmitter receptors located on a synapse.[2] There are several underlying mechanisms that cooperate to achieve synaptic plasticity, including changes in the quantity of neurotransmitters released into a synapse and changes in how effectively cells respond to those neurotransmitters.[3] Synaptic plasticity in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses has been found to be dependent upon postsynaptic calcium release.[2]

  1. ^ Hughes JR (January 1958). "Post-tetanic potentiation". Physiological Reviews. 38 (1): 91–113. doi:10.1152/physrev.1958.38.1.91. PMID 13505117.
  2. ^ a b Gerrow K, Triller A (October 2010). "Synaptic stability and plasticity in a floating world". Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 20 (5): 631–9. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2010.06.010. PMID 20655734. S2CID 7988672.
  3. ^ Gaiarsa JL, Caillard O, Ben-Ari Y (November 2002). "Long-term plasticity at GABAergic and glycinergic synapses: mechanisms and functional significance". Trends in Neurosciences. 25 (11): 564–70. doi:10.1016/S0166-2236(02)02269-5. PMID 12392931. S2CID 17365083.