Synapse elimination in the central nervous system: functional significance and cellular mechanisms.
Recent research into the developmental elimination of supernumerary synapses has increased understanding of this process. In this review we discuss synapse elimination both at the neuromuscular junction and in the central nervous system, considering some possible underlying mechanisms suggested by recent studies. In addition a well-described example of central nervous system synapse elimination, the climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synapse of the cerebellum, is used to explore the functional significance of synaptic regression during brain development.
Lohof
A M
AM
Laboratoire de Neurobiologie du Développement, Institut des Neurosciences (C.N.R.S. U.R.A. 1488), Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France.
Delhaye-Bouchaud
N
N
Mariani
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D011689:Purkinje Cells / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*