Dendritic spines are small, thin, specialized protrusions from neuronal dendrites, primarily
localized in the excitatory synapses. Sophisticated imaging techniques revealed that …

The structure of neuronal circuits that subserve cognitive functions in the brain is shaped
and refined throughout development and into adulthood. Evidence from human and animal …

Fast synaptic communication in the brain requires synchronous vesicle fusion that is evoked
by action potential-induced Ca2+ influx. However, synaptic terminals also release …

Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder that is associated with persistent
psychosocial disability in affected individuals. Although studies of schizophrenia have …

The microtubule-associated protein tau accumulates in Alzheimer's and other fatal
dementias, which manifest when forebrain neurons die. Recent advances in understanding …

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose clinical features include
impairments in perception, cognition and motivation. These impairments reflect alterations in …

A single, low dose of the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine produces rapid
antidepressant actions in treatment-resistant depressed patients. Understanding the cellular …

Most neuronal communication relies upon the synchronous release of neurotransmitters,
which occurs through synaptic vesicle exocytosis triggered by action potential invasion of a …

Upon entering a presynaptic terminal, an action potential opens Ca2+ channels, and
transiently increases the local Ca2+ concentration at the presynaptic active zone. Ca2+ then …

In the immature brain, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is excitatory, and GABA-releasing
synapses are formed before glutamatergic contacts in a wide range of species and …