Synaptic Transmission: Excitatory Autapses Find a Function?

An autapse is a synapse between a neuron and itself, a peculiar structure with an unclear function. A new study suggests that excitatory autapses contribute to a positive-feedback loop that maintains persistent electrical activity in neurons.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current biology 2009-04, Vol.19 (7), p.R296-R298
Main Author: Bekkers, John M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Aplysia - cytology
Aplysia - physiology
Electrophysiology
Models, Neurological
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - physiology
Synapses - physiology
Synapses - ultrastructure
Synaptic Transmission - physiology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An autapse is a synapse between a neuron and itself, a peculiar structure with an unclear function. A new study suggests that excitatory autapses contribute to a positive-feedback loop that maintains persistent electrical activity in neurons.
ISSN:0960-9822
1879-0445
DOI:10.1016/j.cub.2009.02.010