Unveiling synaptic plasticity: a new graphical and analytical approach

Trends Neurosci. 2000 Mar;23(3):105-13. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(99)01520-9.

Abstract

Short-term synaptic plasticity has a key role in information processing in the CNS, whereas memories can be formed through long-lasting changes in synaptic strength. Despite the importance of these phenomena, it remains difficult to determine whether a synaptic modulation is expressed at a presynaptic or postsynaptic site. This article describes a new approach that, in its simplest form, can identify the site of expression by direct graphical means. A more-sophisticated form of the technique can quantify functional synaptic properties and determine which of these properties is altered following a modulation of synaptic strength.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione / pharmacology
  • Anesthetics, Local / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Baclofen / pharmacology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Computer Graphics
  • Data Display*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • GABA Agonists / pharmacology
  • Lidocaine / analogs & derivatives
  • Lidocaine / pharmacology
  • Mathematical Computing
  • Memory / physiology
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Regression Analysis
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Synapses / drug effects
  • Synapses / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • GABA Agonists
  • QX-314
  • 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione
  • Lidocaine
  • Baclofen