Endocannabinoids mediate synaptic plasticity at mixed synapses.
Endocannabinoids are generally known to suppress excitatory or inhibitory synaptic transmission. Now, in an elegant series of experiments, Cachope et al. reveal a novel signaling pathway whereby endocannabinoids indirectly potentiate mixed chemical and electrical synapses. Gap junction-mediated transmission can thus be potentiated via distinct frequency-dependent mechanisms.
Vigh
Jozsef
J
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, USA.
von Gersdorff
Henrique
H
D000818:Animals; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids