Abstract
Use-dependent synaptic plasticity of cerebellar Purkinje neurons is characterized by a long-lasting depression of the parallel fiber-mediated excitatory synaptic responses and a long-lasting potentiation of inhibitory synaptic responses. Both forms of synaptic plasticity require a transient increase of the postsynaptic Ca2+-concentration which is produced, in general, by climbing fiber activity. The mechanisms underlying this Ca2+-transient were investigated in cerebellar slices by combining whole-cell patch-clamp techniques with fluorometric Ca2+-imaging. The results of several studies demonstrate that activation of dendritic and, possibly, somatic P-type voltage-gated Ca2+-channels, but not permeation of Ca2+ through glutamate-gated receptor channels trigger both forms of synaptic plasticity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 73-77 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Biomedical Research |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 1 |
State | Published - 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |