Author response: Synergistic plasticity of intrinsic conductance and electrical coupling restores synchrony in an intact motor network
Year: 2016
Type: peer-review
Abstract: Neurons can communicate with each other by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters, or by forming direct connections with each other known as gap junctions. These direct connections allow electrical impulses to flow from one neuron to another via pores in the membranes between the cells. Unlike communication via neurotransmitters, gap junctions are usually thought to be hard-wired and unchanging over the life of the animal. Lane et al. recorded electrical activity in a network of neurons that generates rhythmic heart contractions in the Jonah crab. Neurons in this network usually all fire an electrical impulse at the same time, which is crucial to make sure that the whole heart contracts at the same time. The experiments show that drugs that block potassium channel pores in the membrane cause the neurons to fire too much and at different times to each other. However, the network of neurons soon adapted to the changes caused by the drugs and returned to working as normal. Mimicking these changes in a computer model of the neuron network, together with experimental data, showed that changes to the gap junctions play a major role in restoring normal activity to the network. The next step following on from this research is to understand how a network of neurons ‘senses’ that it is not working normally and changes its electrical activity.
Source: eLife
Institution: University of Missouri
Language: English
Topic: Connexins and lens biology
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W2987280876