Dendritic signal integration

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 1997 Jun;7(3):385-90. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(97)80067-0.

Abstract

Recent studies have identified various forms of active dendritic signals that may contribute to neuronal integration. One of the most remarkable findings is the demonstration of highly localized Ca2+ transients that are limited to small dendritic segments and even to single dendritic spines. In addition, through use of the powerful two-photon excitation imaging technique, it has been possible to reveal the existence of dendritic Ca2+ signals under in vivo conditions. Finally, active backpropagation of action potentials into dendrites has been shown to boost dendritic Ca2+ signals supralinearly and, thus, to contribute to the induction of long-term potentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Purkinje Cells / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium