Less means more: inhibition of spontaneous firing triggers persistent increases in excitability.
Modulation of intrinsic excitability is an alternative to classical synaptic plasticity for implementing activity-dependent changes in neuronal networks. In this issue of Neuron, Nelson et al. reveal a new form of plasticity of intrinsic excitability that can be triggered rapidly when synaptic inhibition reduces spontaneous firing, resulting in persistent enhancement of firing rate and neuronal gain.
Häusser
Michael
M
Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT London, United Kingdom.
Monsivais
Pablo
P
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D051379:Mice; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D009433:Neural Inhibition / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; D002118:Calcium