title: Short-term ionic plasticity at GABAergic synapses.
abstract: Fast synaptic inhibition in the brain is mediated by the pre-synaptic release of the neurotransmitter γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)and the post-synaptic activation of GABA-sensitive ionotropic receptors. As with excitatory synapses, it is being increasinly appreciated that a variety of plastic processes occur at inhibitory synapses, which operate over a range of timescales. Here we examine a form of activity-dependent plasticity that is somewhat unique to GABAergic transmission. This involves short-lasting changes to the ionic driving force for the post-synaptic receptors, a process referred to as short-term ionic plasticity. These changes are directly related to the history of activity at inhibitory synapses and are influenced by a variety of factors including the location of the synapse and the post-synaptic cell's ion regulation mechanisms. We explore the processes underlying this form of plasticity, when and where it can occur, and how it is likely to impact network activity.
authors.affiliation: Akerman Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: Joseph V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Raimondo
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Markram
authors.forename: Colin J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Akerman
keywords: EGABA; GABA; GABAA receptors; chloride; pH; reversal potential; short-term ionic plasticity; synaptic transmission