Long-term synapse loss induced by focal blockade of postsynaptic receptors.
Focal application in vivo of alpha-bungarotoxin to block neurotransmission in a small region of a neuromuscular junction causes long-lasting synapse elimination at that site. In contrast, blockade of neurotransmission throughout a junction does not cause synapse elimination. These and related experiments indicate that active synaptic sites can destabilize inactive synapses in their vicinity.
Balice-Gordon
R J
RJ
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
Lichtman
J W
JW
D000818:Animals; D002038:Bungarotoxins / Q000494:pharmacology; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D051379:Mice; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D002038:Bungarotoxins; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic