title: Sensory-evoked synaptic integration in cerebellar and cerebral cortical neurons.
abstract: Neurons integrate synaptic inputs across time and space, a process that determines the transformation of input signals into action potential output. This article explores how synaptic integration contributes to the richness of sensory signalling in the cerebellar and cerebral cortices. Whether a neuron receives a few or a few thousand discrete inputs, most evoked synaptic activity generates only subthreshold membrane potential fluctuations. Sensory tuning of synaptic inputs is typically broad, but short-term dynamics and the interplay between excitation and inhibition restrict action potential firing to narrow windows of opportunity. We highlight the challenges and limitations of the use of somatic recordings in the study of synaptic integration and the importance of active dendritic mechanisms in sensory processing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chadderton
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. [2] The Division of Neurophysiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK.
authors.forename: Andreas T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Schaefer
authors.affiliation: The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. [2] The Division of Neurophysiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK.
authors.forename: Troy W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Margrie
mesh_terms: D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000166:cytology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission