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Synapses - Physiology
Research News and Information
Definition of 'Synapses'Specialized junctions at which a neuron communicates with a target cell. At classical synapses, a neuron's presynaptic terminal releases a chemical transmitter stored in synaptic vesicles which diffuses across a narrow synaptic cleft and activates receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the target cell. The target may be a dendrite, cell body, or axon of another neuron, or a specialized region of a muscle or secretory cell. Neurons may also communicate via direct electrical coupling with ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES. Several other non-synaptic chemical or electric signal transmitting processes occur via extracellular mediated interactions. |
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase a functions as a scaffold for synaptic Rac signaling.
2 Nov 2009 
Activity-dependent alterations of synaptic contacts are crucial for synaptic plasticity. The formation of new dendritic spines and synapses is known to require actin cytoskeletal reorganization specifically during neural activation phases. Yet the ... Read more...
Reliability and precision of the mouse calyx of Held synapse.
2 Nov 2009 Traditionally, the calyx of Held synapse is viewed as a highly reliable relay in the sound localization circuit of the auditory brainstem, with every presynaptic action potential triggering a postsynaptic action potential in vivo. However, this view ... Read more...
30 Oct 2009 BACKGROUND: The memory-blocking properties of general anesthetics have recently received considerable attention because of concerns related to intraoperative awareness and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The goal of this study was to identify ... Read more...
Latest indexed articles for 'Synapses - Physiology'
These are the very latest articles for this heading:
- Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase a functions as a scaffold for synaptic Rac signaling. 2 Nov 2009
- Reliability and precision of the mouse calyx of Held synapse. 2 Nov 2009
- Etomidate targets alpha5 gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptors to regulate synaptic plasticity and memory blockade. 30 Oct 2009
- Metaplasticity governs natural experience-driven plasticity of nascent embryonic brain circuits. 27 Oct 2009
- Evidence against AMPA receptor-lacking glutamatergic synapses in the superficial dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord. 19 Oct 2009
- Endocannabinoid-dependent homeostatic regulation of inhibitory synapses by miniature excitatory synaptic activities. 19 Oct 2009
- The necessity of NKCC1: loss of the chloride cotransporter in a knock-out model and potential compensatory mechanisms.
19 Oct 2009 - Astrocyte-neuron interactions: implications for epilepsy. 18 Oct 2009
- Fast synaptic subcortical control of hippocampal circuits. 14 Oct 2009
- The optogenetic catechism. 14 Oct 2009
- Molecular and cellular approaches to memory allocation in neural circuits. 14 Oct 2009
- Immune proteins in brain development and synaptic plasticity. 13 Oct 2009
- MHC class I: an unexpected role in neuronal plasticity. 13 Oct 2009
- Breaking boundaries in neural-immune interactions. 13 Oct 2009
- Convergence of cranial visceral afferents within the solitary tract nucleus. 12 Oct 2009
- Distinct domains within PSD-95 mediate synaptic incorporation, stabilization, and activity-dependent trafficking. 12 Oct 2009
- Functional properties of synaptic transmission in primary sense organs. 12 Oct 2009
- Axonal transport defects in neurodegenerative diseases. 12 Oct 2009
- Properties of piriform cortex pyramidal cell dendrites: implications for olfactory circuit design. 5 Oct 2009
- Ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal targeting of GABA(A) receptors regulates neuronal inhibition. 4 Oct 2009
See a longer list of these articles.
Technical information about 'Synapses'
Definition: Specialized junctions at which a neuron communicates with a target cell. At classical synapses, a neuron's presynaptic terminal releases a chemical transmitter stored in synaptic vesicles which diffuses across a narrow synaptic cleft and activates receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the target cell. The target may be a dendrite, cell body, or axon of another neuron, or a specialized region of a muscle or secretory cell. Neurons may also communicate via direct electrical coupling with ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES. Several other non-synaptic chemical or electric signal transmitting processes occur via extracellular mediated interactions.
Descriptor UI: D013569
Alternative terms: Synapses; Synapse;
Related Mesh Headings: Synaptic Transmission; Synaptosomes; Gap Junctions;
Allowable Qualifiers: classification; drug effects; enzymology; immunology; metabolism; microbiology; parasitology; pathology; physiology; radiation effects; radiography; radionuclide imaging; secretion; ultrastructure; ultrasonography; chemistry; virology; genetics;
Tree Number: A08.850; A11.284.149.165.420.780;
Technical Notes: note specifics; IMMUNOLOGICAL SYNAPSES is also available; / physiol: consider also SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION; do not confuse with SYNAPSIS see CHROMOSOME PAIRING