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Sci. Signal., 8 February 2011
Vol. 4, Issue 159, p. ec43
[DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.4159ec43]

EDITORS' CHOICE

Neuroscience Variation in Transit

Peter R. Stern

Science, AAAS, Cambridge CB2 1LQ, UK

Modulation of the action potential waveform that enhances synaptic transmission has been reported in central neurons after repetitive stimulation or depolarization of the presynaptic neuron. Sasaki et al. used optically targeted axons to observe that modulation of synaptic transmission in cortical neurons does not exclusively depend on release processes but is also achieved by regulation of presynaptic action potential width. Activation of periaxonal astrocytes broadened action potentials and enhanced synaptic transmission.

T. Sasaki, N. Matsuki, Y. Ikegaya, Action-potential modulation during axonal conduction. Science 331, 599–601 (2011). [Abstract] [Full Text]

Citation: P. R. Stern, Variation in Transit. Sci. Signal. 4, ec43 (2011).

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