CH.8 Synaptic Plasticity

what is synaptic plasticity?

activity changes in synaptic response and properties

what is potentiation?

strengthening a synapse, works for a longer period, move vesicles from ready to reserve, relies on PKC and kinases

what is augmentation?

works for a shorter time period, triggered by chemical changes and efficiency of Ca2+

what is synaptic depression?

caused by rapid depletion of synaptic vesicles, they are spent faster than recycled

what is facilitation?

leftover Ca2+ from first neurotransmitter release boosts the transmitter power of a second release

what is habituation (includes aplysia model explanation)?

less response to a repeated stimuli, repeated light touch to siphon lessens gill contraction, sensory neurons continue to fire and motor neurons do not get a pre-synaptic potential

what is sensitization?

large response generated from aversive stimuli, electric shock to tail causes siphon to shoot more, reinstates pre-synaptic response

what is short-term plasticity based on?

presynaptic and chemical changes, repeated activation of a chemical synapse

what are the different mechanisms of short-term plasticity?

facilitation, potentiation, depression, augmentation