Presynaptic Modulation of the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapse

Abstract

The overall goal of this research project is to systematically investigate a number of the possible through which presynaptic modulation might influence the effectiveness of local synaptic interactions at the mammalian hippocampal mossy fiber synapse. The potential significance of this research has been dramatically highlighted by the events of this past year, in which several different laboratories conclusively demonstrated that long-term potentiation (LTP) in the mossy fiber-CA3 synapse involves an enhancement of neurotransmitter release (Bekkers et al., 1990; Malinow and Tsien, 1990; Staubli et al., 1990; Zalutsky and Nicoll, 1990). The LTP of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus is a widely studied model system for understanding the cellular mechanisms of memory and synaptic plasticity. Thus, a definitive link has now been established between mossy fiber synaptic plasticity and the presynaptic modulation of this synaptic input. Specifically, any factor that is capable of enhancing or suppressing the release of mossy fiber transmitters will have a predictable effect on the probability that LTP is maintained in the mossy fiber-CA3 synapse. (js)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 14, 1990
Accession Number
ADA229105

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  • David M. Terrian

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  • East Carolina University

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  • Biomedical

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  • Biology

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