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Synaptic structural plasticity: Role of synaptic shape
Author(s) -
Markus Etan J.,
Petit Ted L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
synapse
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.809
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1098-2396
pISSN - 0887-4476
DOI - 10.1002/syn.890030102
Subject(s) - synaptic plasticity , metaplasticity , neurotransmission , neuroscience , synaptic fatigue , synaptic augmentation , synaptic scaling , synapse , nonsynaptic plasticity , synaptic cleft , biology , neurotransmitter , excitatory postsynaptic potential , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , central nervous system , biochemistry , receptor
Recent research has indicated that synaptic curvature is an important and potentially critical plastic feature of the synapse. Alterations in synaptic shape are related to synaptic function, being found both during maturation and in adulthood following neuronal activation. In this paper we review the evidence supporting synaptic shape as a plastic feature of synaptic structure. We also propose several mechanisms which might underlie these changes in shape. Finally, we suggest the possible functional role of alterations in synaptic curvature, including its potential in altering synaptic transmission efficacy.