Synaptic remodeling and neosynaptogenesis

Abstract

This chapter describes axon-target interactions using the olivocerebellar path as a model, looking at the changes in synaptic contacts between climbing fibers and Purkinje cells in rodents, during developmental synapse formation, selective stabilization and synaptic re-formation during later stages of life. Neosynaptogenesis and recreation of the olivocerebellar circuit provides a model system for understanding how circuit reorganization after a lesion can be maximized for optimal repair. This model is used to examine how interactions between climbing fibers and Purkinje cells allow correct synaptic contacts to be established during development and post-lesion plasticity. This chapter also evaluates the relative importance of each synaptic partner, their maturation and prior synaptic experience, in determining the specificity of connections within a network. Developmental climbing fiber synapse formation and refinement is briefly described, then how the reformation of these contacts later in maturation is discussed, along with how these studies increase understanding of network development and stability.