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Synapse: Function, Plasticity, and Neurotrophism

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For the reader with a basic knowledge of neurophysiology, this reference provides a more detailed, yet easy to read, overview of the synapse. The role of calcium and the mechanism of the release of neurotransmitter is considered. Ionotropic receptors where activation directly affects the ionic channel and thus mediate a fast synaptic response, are considered, including Ach, glycine, GABA(A), glutamate and serotonin 5HT-3 receptors. Metabotropic receptors, which are generally linked to G-proteins and which activate intracellular second messengers which in turn affect ionic channels, often located at a distance, and thus mediate a slow synaptic response, are considered. Synaptic plasticity, including the changes that occur with learning (particularly in Aplysia), is then considered. Morphological plasticity such as increased numbers of synapses, is also considered. Different neurotrophins required for neuron survival, including NGF, BDNF and NT-3, and then the regulation of developing synapses, are considered.