The Synapse

List of Contributors

Chapter One. Structure and Complexity of the Synapse and Dendritic Spine

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 Synapses and Dendritic Spines

2.2 Synapse: Spine Relationship

2.3 Dendritic Spine Classifications

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Two. The Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Synaptic Transmission: A View of the Presynaptic Terminal

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Synaptic Structure

2.2 The Synaptic Vesicle Cycle

2.3 A Glimpse into the Nanometric Molecular Organization of the Synapse

2.4 Synchronous, A-synchronous and Spontaneous Release: Physiological and Molecular Perspectives

2.5 Molecular Aspects of Synaptic Plasticity

2.6 Genetic Manipulations of Synaptic Proteins and Behavioral Consequences

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Three. The First Hour in the Life of a Synapse: Contact Formation, Partner Selection, and Onset of Function

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 Contact Formation

2.2 Partner Selection

2.3 Onset of Function

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Four. Structural and Functional Organization of the Postsynaptic Density

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 Excitatory Synapses: Postsynaptic Organization

2.2 Synaptic Adhesion Molecules Gene Mutations

2.3 Postsynaptic Scaffolds and Their Relation to Neuropsychiatric Disorders

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Five. The Tripartite Synapse: A Role for Glial Cells in Modulating Synaptic Transmission

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 Astrocyte Functions

2.2 Ca²⁺ Signaling in Astrocytes

2.3 Gliotransmission

2.4 Astrocytic Modulation of Synaptic Transmission

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Six. Local Protein Synthesis at Synapses

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 SPRCs: Ultrastructure of the Machinery that Underlies Protein Synthesis at Synapses

2.2 Protein Synthesis in Dendrites

2.3 Posttranslational Processing within Dendrites

2.4 Dendritic mRNAs

2.5 Dendritic Transport of Ribosomes and mRNA

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Seven. Estrogen Effects on Hippocampal Synapses

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Hippocampal Synapses: Estrogen Effects and Receptors

2.2 Postsynaptic Compartments

2.3 Estrogen-Sensitive Receptors and Associated Signaling Molecules

2.4 Changes in Aging

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Eight. Trafficking of Glutamate Receptors and Associated Proteins in Synaptic Plasticity

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Development

2.2 Trafficking of Glutamate Receptors in Synaptic Plasticity

2.3 MAGUK Protein Complexes in Synaptic Plasticity

2.4 Adhesion Proteins in Synaptic Plasticity

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Nine. Structural Alterations of Synapses in Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Autism Spectrum Disorders

2.2 Schizophrenia

2.3 Alzheimer’s Disease

3 Conclusions

Abbreviations

References

Chapter Ten. Synaptic Correlates of Aging and Cognitive Decline

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Methods Used for Quantitative Analyses of Structural and Immunocytochemical Data

2.2 The Effects of Aging on the Prefrontal Cortex

2.3 The Effects of Aging on the Hippocampus

2.4 Location and Function of Glutamate Receptors in the Aging Brain

2.5 Interactive Effects of Aging and Estrogen on Cortical Synapses

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Eleven. Activity-Induced Fine Structural Changes of Synapses in Mammalian Central Nervous System

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Activity-Dependent Changes at the PSD of Excitatory Synapses in Dissociated Neuronal Cultures

2.2 Activity-Induced Changes of AMPA Receptors at Excitatory Synapses

2.3 Activity-Induced Changes at Presynaptic Terminals of Excitatory Synapses in Dissociated Neuronal Cultures

2.4 Rapid Turnover of Synaptic Spinules in Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures

2.5 Inhibitory Synapses under Different Activity Conditions

2.6 Studying Synapses with Different Experimental Model Systems

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Twelve. Activity-Mediated Structural Plasticity of Dendritic Spines

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 General Morphological Characteristics of Dendritic Spines

2.2 Synapse Formation through Filopodia

2.3 Synapse Formation through the Growth of New Spines

2.4 Fast Motility of Dendritic Spines

2.5 Activity-Mediated Spine Enlargement

2.6 Molecular Mechanisms of Spine Enlargement and Stabilization

2.7 Activity-Mediated Network Rewiring through Spine Turnover

2.8 Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Spine Dynamics

2.9 Spine Alterations and Brain Disease

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Thirteen. Experience-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in the Developing Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 De Novo Synaptogenesis

2.2 Chemical Maturation of Glutamatergic Synapses

2.3 Maturation of the GABAergic System and its Role in Developmental Plasticity of the Cerebral Cortex

2.4 Role of norepinephrine in ocular dominance plasticity

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Fourteen. Asynaptic and Synaptic Innervation by Acetylcholine Neurons of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction

2.1 Asynaptic and synaptic ACh innervations in CNS

2.2 Cerebral Cortex

2.3 Hippocampus

2.4 Neostriatum

2.5 Thalamus

2.6 Other Brain Regions

2.7 Spinal Cord

3 Conclusions

References

Chapter Fifteen. Prefrontal Cortical Dopamine Transmission: Ultrastructural Studies and Their Functional Implications

Abstract

1 Introduction

2.1 Cortical DA Labeling Methods, Cells of Origin, and Terminations

2.2 Ultrastructural Features, Synaptic Incidence, and Targets of Cortical DA Axons

2.3 DA Transporter Localization

2.4 DA Receptors and Physiology

2.5 Physiology

2.6 Colocalization of DA and Glutamate

3 Conclusions

References

Index