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Learning-induced multiple synapse formation in rat cerebellar cortex
- Source :
-
Neuroscience Letters . Nov2002, Vol. 332 Issue 3, p180. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2002
-
Abstract
- Strengthening of synaptic connections has been proposed to underlie information storage in the brain, and experience-dependent increases in synapse number have been observed. However, the effect of these new synapses on the specific connectivity, and thus function, of a given brain area remains largely unknown. We report here that motor learning specifically induces the formation of multiple synapses – two post-synaptic contacts at a single pre-synaptic varicosity – in the cerebellum. Rats undergoing motor learning had more multiple synapses (two Purkinje cell spines contacting a given parallel fiber varicosity) per Purkinje cell than did active or inactive controls. The formation of multiple synapses provides an additional connection between a given parallel fiber and Purkinje cell, thereby enhancing particular pathways, and may constitute a fundamental mechanism of neural encoding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *SYNAPSES
*CEREBELLUM
*MOTOR learning
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03043940
- Volume :
- 332
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Neuroscience Letters
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 7907298
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-3940(02)00759-0