Graded synaptic transmission between spiking neurons

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1980 Jun;77(6):3733-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.77.6.3733.

Abstract

Graded synaptic transmission occurs between spiking neurons of the lobster stomatogastric ganglion. In addition to eliciting spike-evoked inhibitory potentials in postsynaptic cells, these neurons also release functionally significant amounts of transmitter below the threshold for action potentials. The spikeless postsynaptic potentials grade in amplitude with presynaptic voltage and can be maintained for long periods. Graded synaptic transmission can be modulated by synaptic input to the presynaptic neuron.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Electrophysiology
  • Ganglia / physiology*
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Nephropidae
  • Neural Inhibition
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission*
  • Tetrodotoxin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Tetrodotoxin