title: A model synapse that incorporates the properties of short- and long-term synaptic plasticity.
abstract: We propose a general computer model of a synapse, which incorporates mechanisms responsible for the realization of both short- and long-term synaptic plasticity-the two forms of experimentally observed plasticity that seem to be very significant for the performance of neuronal networks. The model consists of a presynaptic part based on the earlier 'double barrier synapse' model, and a postsynaptic compartment which is connected to the presynaptic terminal via a feedback, the sign and magnitude of which depend on postsynaptic Ca(2+) concentration. The feedback increases or decreases the amount of neurotransmitter which is in a ready for release state. The model adequately reproduced the phenomena of short- and long-term plasticity observed experimentally in hippocampal slices for CA3-CA1 synapses. The proposed model may be used in the investigation of certain real synapses to estimate their physiological parameters, and in the construction of realistic neuronal networks.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials; D005246:Feedback; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents