Long-term synapse loss induced by focal blockade of postsynaptic receptors

R J Balice-Gordon; J W Lichtman

doi:10.1038/372519a0

Long-term synapse loss induced by focal blockade of postsynaptic receptors

Nature. 1994 Dec 8;372(6506):519-24. doi: 10.1038/372519a0.

Authors

R J Balice-Gordon¹, J W Lichtman

Affiliation

¹ Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.

PMID: 7990923
DOI: 10.1038/372519a0

Abstract

Focal application in vivo of alpha-bungarotoxin to block neurotransmission in a small region of a neuromuscular junction causes long-lasting synapse elimination at that site. In contrast, blockade of neurotransmission throughout a junction does not cause synapse elimination. These and related experiments indicate that active synaptic sites can destabilize inactive synapses in their vicinity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Bungarotoxins / pharmacology
Cholinergic Antagonists
Mice
Motor Neurons / physiology
Neuromuscular Junction / drug effects
Neuromuscular Junction / physiology
Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology*
Synapses / physiology*
Time Factors

Substances

Bungarotoxins
Cholinergic Antagonists
Receptors, Cholinergic