Localized GABAergic inhibition of dendritic Ca(2+) signalling

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2014 Sep;15(9):567-72. doi: 10.1038/nrn3803. Epub 2014 Aug 13.

Abstract

Neuronal circuits are defined by synaptic connections between their cellular constituents. In this article, I highlight several recent studies emphasizing the surprising level of precision exhibited by inhibitory GABAergic synapses within the neocortex and hippocampus. Specifically, GABAergic inputs to dendritic shafts and spines of pyramidal cells have a key role in the localized regulation of neuronal Ca(2+) signalling. These findings provide important new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the contributions of inhibitory transmission to both normal and abnormal brain activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • GABAergic Neurons / cytology*
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neural Inhibition / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium