Neural coding: hybrid analog and digital signalling in axons.
Mammalian axons are thought to act as digital signaling devices, conveying information only by the timing and rate of all-or-none action potentials. Two recent studies now show that synaptic potentials can also spread far down the axon and influence action potential-triggered transmitter release in a graded, 'analog' manner. Axons thus encode information both about subthreshold and suprathreshold synaptic activity.
Clark
Beverley
B
Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Physiology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Häusser
Michael
M
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents