Depression at thalamocortical synapses: the key for cortical neuronal adaptation?
Neuronal adaptation to repetitive sensory stimuli is ubiquitous in the mammalian cortex. Despite its prevalence, the cellular mechanisms underlying this basic physiological property remain a matter of dispute. In this issue of Neuron, Chung et al. provide conclusive evidence that depression of thalamocortical synapses may play a significant role in the expression of neuronal adaptation in the rat somatosensory cortex.
Nicolelis
Miguel A L
MA
Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D051381:Rats; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014110:Touch