Homeostatic plasticity in neuronal networks: the more things change, the more they stay the same

During learning and development, neural circuitry is refined, in part, through changes in the number and strength of synapses. Most studies of long-term changes in synaptic strength have concentrated on Hebbian mechanisms, where these changes occur in a synapse-specific manner. While Hebbian mechani...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in Neurosciences 1999-05, Vol.22 (5), p.221-227
Main Author: Turrigiano, Gina G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
BDNF
Biological and medical sciences
CaMKII
Electrophysiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects. Models. Methods
Homeostasis - physiology
Humans
LTP
Nerve Net - physiology
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Synapse stabilization
Synapses - physiology
Synaptic homeostasis
Synaptic plasticity
Synaptic scaling
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:During learning and development, neural circuitry is refined, in part, through changes in the number and strength of synapses. Most studies of long-term changes in synaptic strength have concentrated on Hebbian mechanisms, where these changes occur in a synapse-specific manner. While Hebbian mechanisms are important for modifying neuronal circuitry selectively, they might not be sufficient because they tend to destabilize the activity of neuronal networks. Recently, several forms of homeostatic plasticity that stabilize the properties of neural circuits have been identified. These include mechanisms that regulate neuronal excitability, stabilize total synaptic strength, and influence the rate and extent of synapse formation. These forms of homeostatic plasticity are likely to go ‘hand-in-glove’ with Hebbian mechanisms to allow experience to modify the properties of neuronal networks selectively.
ISSN:0166-2236
1878-108X
DOI:10.1016/S0166-2236(98)01341-1