Unveiling synaptic plasticity: a new graphical and analytical approach.
Short-term synaptic plasticity has a key role in information processing in the CNS, whereas memories can be formed through long-lasting changes in synaptic strength. Despite the importance of these phenomena, it remains difficult to determine whether a synaptic modulation is expressed at a presynaptic or postsynaptic site. This article describes a new approach that, in its simplest form, can identify the site of expression by direct graphical means. A more-sophisticated form of the technique can quantify functional synaptic properties and determine which of these properties is altered following a modulation of synaptic strength.
Clements
J D
JD
Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
Silver
R A
RA
D018750:6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione / Q000494:pharmacology; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001418:Baclofen / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003626:Data Display; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D018755:GABA Agonists; C012647:QX-314; D018750:6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione; D008012:Lidocaine; D001418:Baclofen