The role of short-term synaptic dynamics in motor control

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2000 Dec;10(6):683-90. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00159-8.

Abstract

During the past few years, much attention has been given to the role of short-term synaptic plasticity, in particular depression and facilitation, in sculpting network activity. A recent study shows that synaptic depression in rhythmic motor networks could switch the control of network frequency from intrinsic neuronal properties to the synaptic dynamics. Short-term synaptic plasticity is also involved in the stabilization and reconfiguration of motor circuits and in the initiation, maintenance and modulation of motor programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*