Cellular mechanisms of cerebellar LTD

Trends Neurosci. 1998 Sep;21(9):401-7. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(98)01304-6.

Abstract

In the past decade there have been advances in understanding the cellular mechanisms of the long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission at parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses in the cerebellum. This review first summarizes current views on mechanisms involved in LTD induction, from activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, of ionotropic (AMPA) and metabotropic (mGluRI) glutamate receptors, to stimulation of protein kinase C and nitric oxide formation. Second, we will focus on recent findings that point towards the involvement of Ca2+ release from internal stores in LTD induction, localize the sources and targets of nitric oxide and indicate a postsynaptic site for LTD expression. Finally, a role for LTD in motor learning is now well supported by recent experiments on transgenic mice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology*
  • Purkinje Cells / chemistry
  • Purkinje Cells / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*