Cellular mechanisms of long-term depression in the cerebellum.
Cerebellar long-term depression is a persistent, input-specific attenuation of the parallel fiber-Purkinje neuron synapse induced by co-activation of parallel fibers and climbing fibers. This phenomenon endows the Purkinje neuron with a powerful associative computational ability. Recent investigations have provided strong evidence that two mechanisms, Ca2+ influx via voltage-gated channels, and stimulation of protein kinase C via metabotropic receptor activation, are required for induction of long-term depression. In addition, two other mechanisms, Na+ influx via AMPA receptors, and stimulation of a nitric oxide/cGMP cascade may also be involved in this process.
Linden
D J
DJ
Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Connor
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology