Bridging the Gap – The Ubiquity and Plasticity of Electrical Synapses (original) (raw)

2017

Abstract

There is a substantial emerging literature on the complexity and plasticity of the apparently simple electrical synapses [ES]. Here we draw attention to some of the most recent findings in this rapidly evolving field. • ES are ubiquitous, found in all multicellular animals and structurally underlain by gap junctions. Gap junctions are topographically similar in vertebrates and invertebrates, but based on different mutually exclusive connexins and innexins respectively. • It is now clear that ES may be modulated and exhibit plasticity in addition to promoting synergy between coupled neurons according to the strength of coupling. Strong electrical coupling promotes synchronous activity while weak coupling may desynchronise coupled neurons. • Chemical synapses may modulate ES conductances and may regulate the degree of coupling between neurons. Because ES act as low pass filters, prolonged spike after-hyperpolarisations can allow them to act as inhibitory connections, but modifications...

Munir Qazzaz hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Munir know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.