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Synaptic plasticity: taming the beast

Nature Neuroscience volume 3, pages 1178–1183 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity provides the basis for most models of learning, memory and development in neural circuits. To generate realistic results, synapse-specific Hebbian forms of plasticity, such as long-term potentiation and depression, must be augmented by global processes that regulate overall levels of neuronal and network activity. Regulatory processes are often as important as the more intensively studied Hebbian processes in determining the consequences of synaptic plasticity for network function. Recent experimental results suggest several novel mechanisms for regulating levels of activity in conjunction with Hebbian synaptic modification. We review three of them—synaptic scaling, spike-timing dependent plasticity and synaptic redistribution—and discuss their functional implications.

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Figure 1: Synaptic scaling is multiplicative.
Figure 2: The amount and type of synaptic modification (STDP) evoked by repeated pairing of pre- and postsynaptic action potentials in different preparations.
Figure 3: Time dependence of the normalized average transmission amplitude for a model synapse showing short-term depression and synaptic redistribution, based on the model described in the Math Box.

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Acknowledgements

Research supported by NIH-MH58754, NIH-EY11116, the Sloan Center for Theoretical Neurobiology at Brandeis University and the W.M. Keck Foundation. We thank Gina Turrigiano, Eve Marder and Jesper Sjöström for comments.

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  1. Department of Biology and Volen Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, 02454-9110, Massachusetts, USA

    L. F. Abbott & Sacha B. Nelson

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Correspondence to L. F. Abbott.

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Abbott, L., Nelson, S. Synaptic plasticity: taming the beast. Nat Neurosci 3 (Suppl 11), 1178–1183 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/81453

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