Synaptic Plasticity
Synaptic Plasticity - Related Videos
07:13
3D Modeling of Dendritic Spines with Synaptic Plasticity
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Cited by 6 •
2020
The protocol develops a three-dimensional (3D) model of a dendritic segment with dendritic spines for modeling synaptic plasticity. The constructed mesh can be used for computational modeling of AMPA receptor trafficking in the long-term synaptic plasticity using the software program Blender with CellBlender and MCell.
04:41
Preparation of Oligomeric β-amyloid1-42 and Induction of Synaptic Plasticity Impairment on Hippocampal Slices
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Cited by 74 •
2010
One feature of Alzheimer's Disease is the elevation of Aβ1-42 peptide. Here we provide a protocol for preparing synthetic Aβ1-42 oligomers, which impairs hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation, a cellular correlate of memory. This procedure is useful for investigating mechanisms of Aβ-induced pathology and drug screening.
09:51
Recording Synaptic Plasticity in Acute Hippocampal Slices Maintained in a Small-volume Recycling-, Perfusion-, and Submersion-type Chamber System
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Cited by 5 •
2018
This protocol describes the stabilization of the oxygen level in a small volume of recycled buffer and methodological aspects of recording activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in submerged acute hippocampal slices.
08:46
Studying Synaptic Vesicle Pools using Photoconversion of Styryl Dyes
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Cited by 18 •
2010
FM dyes have been of invaluable help in the understanding of synaptic dynamics. FMs are normally followed under the fluorescent microscope during different stimulation conditions. However, photoconversion of FM dyes combined with electron microscopy allows the visualization of distinct synaptic vesicle pools, among other ultrastructure components, in synaptic boutons.
06:35
In Vivo Optical Calcium Imaging of Learning-Induced Synaptic Plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster
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Cited by 9 •
2019
Here we present a protocol with which pre- and/or postsynaptic calcium can be visualized in the context of Drosophila learning and memory. In vivo calcium imaging using synaptically localized calcium sensors is combined with a classical olfactory conditioning paradigm such that the synaptic plasticity underlying this type of associative learning may be determined.
FAQs
Activity patterns influence whether synaptic communication becomes stronger or weaker over time. In long-term potentiation, activity is associated with strengthened signaling, whereas long-term depression produces reduced signaling. These changes occur through coordinated effects on neurotransmitter release, receptor trafficking, and dendritic spine structure, linking electrical activity to lasting modifications in neural circuits.
Receptor trafficking changes the complement of receptors available at neuronal connections, thereby influencing how strongly those connections respond during communication. Because synaptic plasticity includes regulation of receptor movement, activity can alter signaling without requiring an immediate change to the entire neural circuit. This mechanism helps support strengthening or weakening across different time periods.
Changes in dendritic spine structure provide a structural component of synaptic plasticity. Activity-related modifications to these protrusions can accompany functional changes in communication between neurons, allowing circuit adjustments to persist beyond a brief electrical event. Their involvement helps connect short-term neural activity with adaptations that may continue from minutes to weeks.
Long-term potentiation and long-term depression represent contrasting outcomes of activity-dependent synaptic change. Potentiation strengthens communication between neurons, while depression weakens it. Both processes can involve altered neurotransmitter release, receptor trafficking, and dendritic spine structure, but their opposing effects allow neural circuits to adjust communication in more than one direction.
Researchers can examine changes in neurotransmitter release, receptor trafficking, and dendritic spine structure after patterns of electrical activity. They can also consider how these modifications alter communication over periods ranging from minutes to weeks. Together, these observations provide information about both functional and structural circuit changes rather than focusing on a single cellular feature.
Synaptic plasticity provides a cellular basis for learning and memory by allowing neural connections to change in response to activity. Its strengthening and weakening processes can reshape communication across neural circuits, while structural changes support longer-lasting adaptations. Studying these mechanisms helps relate cellular events to behavior and to the development of the nervous system.
Research on synaptic plasticity helps investigate disorders in which neural circuit connectivity or activity is disrupted. By examining changes in communication, receptor trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and dendritic spine structure, scientists can relate cellular alterations to broader circuit dysfunction. This context connects basic studies of neural adaptation with neurological and psychiatric disease research.