title: Role of Ca(2+) channels in short-term synaptic plasticity.
abstract: Repetitive nerve activity induces various forms of short-term synaptic plasticity that have important computational roles in neuronal networks. Several forms of short-term plasticity are caused largely by changes in transmitter release, but the mechanisms that underlie these changes in the release process have been difficult to address. Recent studies of a giant synapse - the calyx of Held - have shed new light on this issue. Recordings of Ca(2+) currents or Ca(2+) concentrations at nerve terminals reveal that regulation of presynaptic Ca(2+) channels has a significant role in three important forms of short-term plasticity: short-term depression, facilitation and post-tetanic potentiation.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Jianhua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Liming
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Ling-Gang
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015220:Calcium Channels; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents