title: The Cerebellar Mossy Fiber Synapse as a Model for High-Frequency Transmission in the Mammalian CNS.
abstract: The speed of neuronal information processing depends on neuronal firing frequency. Here, we describe the evolutionary advantages and ubiquitous occurrence of high-frequency firing within the mammalian nervous system in general. The highest firing frequencies so far have been observed at the cerebellar mossy fiber to granule cell synapse. The mechanisms enabling high-frequency transmission at this synapse are reviewed and compared with other synapses. Finally, information coding of high-frequency signals at the mossy fiber synapse is discussed. The exceptionally high firing frequencies and amenability to high-resolution technical approaches both in vitro and in vivo establish the cerebellar mossy fiber synapse as an attractive model to investigate high-frequency signaling from the molecular up to the network level.
authors: Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Delvendahl
authors: Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: hallermann@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Hallermann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000502:physiology*; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: cerebellum; high-frequency signaling; synapse; synaptic transmission