L-type calcium channel-dependent inhibitory plasticity in the thalamus

Thalamocortical neurons integrate sensory and cortical activity and are regulated by input from inhibitory neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Evidence suggests that during bursts of action potentials, dendritic calcium transients are seen throughout the dendritic tree of thalamocortical cells. Here, we review a recent study that suggests these calcium transients regulate inhibitory input, and we attempt to reconcile studies that differ on which ion channels are the source of the calcium.