Patch-clamping in brain slices: synaptic transmission from ATP to long-term potentiation

Abstract

Application of patch-clamp techniques to brain slices has resulted in an enormous increase in the resolution of synaptic currents in mammalian central neurones. This improved resolution has allowed direct observation of miniature and evoked synaptic currents, leading, in agreement with other findings, to the conclusion that the quantal size of synaptic currents in the brain is limited by the number of postsynaptic receptors. Possible explanations for the skewed miniature distribution, observed at all fast central synapses are discussed, with reference to anatomical observations. As a result, a model is proposed which is consistent with much of the apparently contradictory data on the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation. In addition to the study of mechanisms of synaptic transmission, improved resolution provided by the patch-clamp technique has allowed resolution of synaptic currents, in the brain, mediated by ATP. The role of ATP as a central neurotransmitter is discussed in terms of the above findings.