Neurotrophins as synaptic modulators.
The role of neurotrophins as regulatory factors that mediate the differentiation and survival of neurons has been well described. More recent evidence indicates that neurotrophins may also act as synaptic modulators. Here, I review the evidence that synaptic activity regulates the synthesis, secretion and action of neurotrophins, which can in turn induce immediate changes in synaptic efficacy and morphology. By this account, neurotrophins may participate in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, linking synaptic activity with long-term functional and structural modification of synaptic connections.
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA. mpoo@uclink4.berkeley.edu
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D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors