Cited by 2,263Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeural dynamics and brain functionMemory and Neural Mechanisms

Synaptic plasticity: taming the beast

Abbott, L. F., Nelson, Sacha B.·2000·Nature Neuroscience

Abstract

Synaptic plasticity provides the basis for most models of learning, memory and development in neural circuits. To generate realistic results, synapse-specific Hebbian forms of plasticity, such as long-term potentiation and depression, must be augmented by global processes that regulate overall levels of neuronal and network activity. Regulatory processes are often as important as the more intensively studied Hebbian processes in determining the consequences of synaptic plasticity for network function. Recent experimental results suggest several novel mechanisms for regulating levels of activity in conjunction with Hebbian synaptic modification. We review three of them-synaptic scaling, spike-timing dependent plasticity and synaptic redistribution-and discuss their functional implications.

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Crossref · 10.1038/81453

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  • Many forms of correlation-based plasticity have been described biologically, and each is likely to introduce its own unique destabilizing influences on neural circuit function.

    “Many forms of correlation-based plasticity have now been described biologically, and each is likely to introduce its own unique destabilizing influences on neural circuit function (Abbott and Nelson 2000).”
  • LTP and LTD generate a powerful destabilizing force on network function.

    “synapse-specific correlation-based plasticity mechanisms such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) are widely thought to contribute to learning and information storage, but theoreticians have long appreciated that they generate a powerful destabilizing force on network function (Miller and MacKay 1994;Abbott and Nelson 2000).”
  • The locus of change during homeostatic plasticity has important consequences for circuit function, because presynaptic changes in release probability affect short-term plasticity and dynamics of information transfer, whereas postsynaptic changes in receptor accumulation can scale postsynaptic responsiveness without affecting short-term dynamics.

    “The locus of change during homeostatic plasticity has important consequences for circuit function, because (for example) presynaptic changes in release probability will strongly affect short-term plasticity and thus the dynamics of information transfer across synapses, whereas a postsynaptic change in receptor accumulation can scale postsynaptic responsiveness without affecting the short-term”

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Authors
Abbott, L. F., & Nelson, S. B.
Affiliations
Brandeis University (US)
Corresponding author
Abbott, L. F.
Venue
Nature Neuroscience
Published
2000-11
Volume
3
Issue
S11
Pages
1178-1183
ISSN
  • 1097-6256 (ISSN-L)
  • 1546-1726
OpenAlex
W1489333352
Cited by
2,263
References
51
Citations by year
2026: 87 · 2025: 129 · 2024: 121 · 2023: 125 · 2022: 122 · 2021: 129 · 2020: 137 · 2019: 103 · 2018: 121 · 2017: 89 · 2016: 94 · 2015: 90 · 2014: 91 · 2013: 82 · 2012: 86
FWCI
3.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nature Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health (5r01ey011116-07)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH058754, MH58754)
  • National Eye Institute (EY11116)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Keywords
synaptic plasticity, Hebbian plasticity, long-term potentiation, long-term depression, synaptic scaling, spike-timing-dependent plasticity, learning and memory, neural development
MeSH terms
Action Potentials, Animals, Humans, Models, Neurological, Nerve Net, Synaptic Transmission, Neuronal Plasticity, Neurons, Synapses, Receptors, Glutamate, Long-Term Potentiation

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