Synaptic calcium transients in single spines indicate that NMDA receptors are not saturated
Article Abstract:
Synaptic [Ca2+] transients in individual dendritic spines can be used to observe quantal release of neurotransmitter and quantify postsynaptic receptor opening. It appears that synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptors are not saturated by glutamate from a single vesicle. It is possible that the concentration profile of glutamate reaching NMDA-receptors is lower or briefer than widely-recognized estimates. The lack of saturation of NMDA-receptors has several implications for the understanding of the function of excitatory synapses.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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In vivo dendritic calcium dynamics in neocortical pyramidal neurons
Article Abstract:
Two-photon excitation laser scanning microscopy can measure the dynamics of neural dendrites of the intact brain. A study of anaesthetized rats reveals that simultaneous recordings of intracellular voltage and dendritic [Ca2+] dynamics during whisker stimulation or injection increased [Ca2+] only in coincidence with Na+ action potentials. This implies that a considerable rise in [Ca2+] relies on somatically triggered Na+ action potentials.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Experience-dependent plasticity of dendritic spines in the developing rat barrel cortex in vivo
Article Abstract:
Time-lapse imaging has been used to show that dendritic protrusions are dynamic over timescales of 10 min and over lengths of micrometres. These findings correspond with those of experiments on hippocampal pyramidal cells in cultured brain slices.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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