Harms Kimberly J, Dunaevsky Anna
Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Brain Res. 2007 Dec 12;1184:65-71. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.02.094. Epub 2006 Apr 5.
Most excitatory synapses in the CNS form on dendritic spines, tiny protrusions from the dendrites of excitatory neurons. As such, spines are likely loci of synaptic plasticity. Spines are dynamic structures, but the functional consequences of dynamic changes in these structures in the mature brain are unclear. Changes in spine density, morphology, and motility have been shown to occur with paradigms that induce synaptic plasticity, as well as altered sensory experience and neuronal activity. These changes potentially lead to an alteration in synaptic connectivity and strength between neuronal partners, affecting the efficacy of synaptic communication. Here, we review the formation and modification of excitatory synapses on dendritic spines as it relates to plasticity in the central nervous system after the initial phase of synaptogenesis. We will also discuss some of the molecular links that have been implicated in both synaptic plasticity and the regulation of spine morphology.
中枢神经系统中的大多数兴奋性突触形成于树突棘上，树突棘是兴奋性神经元树突上的微小突起。因此，树突棘可能是突触可塑性的位点。树突棘是动态结构，但这些结构在成熟大脑中的动态变化所产生的功能后果尚不清楚。已经表明，树突棘密度、形态和运动性的变化会随着诱导突触可塑性的范式以及改变的感觉体验和神经元活动而发生。这些变化可能导致神经元伙伴之间突触连接性和强度的改变，影响突触通信的效率。在这里，我们回顾突触发生初始阶段后，树突棘上兴奋性突触的形成和修饰，因为它与中枢神经系统中的可塑性有关。我们还将讨论一些与突触可塑性和树突棘形态调节都有关的分子联系。
