title: Enhancing synaptic plasticity and memory: a role for small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels.
abstract: Calcium-activated potassium (K+) channels are distributed throughout the central nervous system as well as many other peripheral tissues and comprise three distinct classes of K+ channels: small conductance (SK), intermediate conductance, and large conductance. This update focuses on SK channels. Increases in cytosolic calcium in response to depolarization activate SK channels. Activation of these channels decreases neuronal excitability. In this review, the authors discuss the role of SK channels in the induction of synaptic plasticity and their influence on learning and memory. A testable model that synthesizes the current literature is offered, suggesting that SK channels represent an important regulator of synaptic plasticity and memory.
authors.affiliation: Auditory Neuroscience and Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, L-335A, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. tzounopo@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: Thanos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tzounopoulos
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stackman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology; D051640:Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels; D024681:Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D051640:Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels