Discovery of a novel way synapses can regulate neuronal circuits

(University of Iowa Health Care) A study led by University of Iowa neuroscientist Samuel Young, PhD, shows that contrary to current thinking, it is possible to increase the number of calcium channels at the presynaptic active zone, and that increasing channel numbers increases synaptic strength. The study also shows that synapses prefer the Cav2.1 channel subtype over the Cav2.2 subtype. The findings offer a new way of thinking about how central nerve terminals regulate synaptic strength and plasticity.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news