Synaptic selection by dopamine neurotransmission (468.3)

Abstract

Electrophysiological and electrochemical recordings provide time resolution sufficient to measure quantal neurotransmission at CNS synapses, but do not resolve activity of individual synapses within populations. Modulation at the level of individual synapses, however, may be required in habit learning and decision making.We will discuss means to resolve the modulation of subgroups of individual synapses using fluorescent false neurotransmitters (FFNs) that act as synaptic vesicle transporter substrates as well as endocytic probes. These optical approaches indicate not only presynaptic release probability and reuptake kinetics but also new forms of presynaptic plasticity, including the rapid movement of presynaptic release sites, and transfer between silent and active states. We will show how such selection of corticostriatal synapses by dopamine and cannabinoid might enable normal motor function.