A general model of synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity. Neuron 2009 May 28;62(4):539-54
Date
05/30/2009Pubmed ID
19477155Pubmed Central ID
PMC3035647DOI
10.1016/j.neuron.2009.03.025Scopus ID
2-s2.0-65649117725 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 150 CitationsAbstract
Some synapses transmit strongly to action potentials (APs), but weaken with repeated activation; others transmit feebly at first, but strengthen with sustained activity. We measured synchronous and asynchronous transmitter release at "phasic" crayfish neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) showing depression and at facilitating "tonic" junctions, and define the kinetics of depression and facilitation. We offer a comprehensive model of presynaptic processes, encompassing mobilization of reserve vesicles, priming of docked vesicles, their association with Ca(2+) channels, and refractoriness of release sites, while accounting for data on presynaptic buffers governing Ca(2+) diffusion. Model simulations reproduce many experimentally defined aspects of transmission and plasticity at these synapses. Their similarity to vertebrate central synapses suggests that the model might be of general relevance to synaptic transmission.
Author List
Pan B, Zucker RSMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Action PotentialsAnimals
Astacoidea
Biophysics
Calcium
Cesium
Computer Simulation
Electric Stimulation
Models, Biological
Neuromuscular Junction
Neuronal Plasticity
Neurotransmitter Agents
Synaptic Transmission
Time Factors
