Abstract
Despite considerable progress in defining the role of the β-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease (AD), the mechanism by which accumulation of Aβ causes dementia remains elusive. Memory loss is probably caused by an Aβ-induced change in synaptic plasticity. Computational neuroscience (neural network modelling) studies demonstrate that cell death (or synaptic loss as a consequence of cell death) per se cannot cause the specific pattern of gradual amnesia that occurs in AD. Amnesia typical of that seen in AD can only be produced when synaptic scaling occurs. Synaptic scaling is a compensatory homeostatic mechanism which maintains the excitatory response of individual neurons and prevents the catastrophic amnesia associated with synapse loss. In this review, several possible mechanisms of synaptic scaling are described.
Keywords: Amyloid, nicotinic receptor, neural network, computational neuroscience, amnesia, acetylcholinesterase, synaptic scaling
Current Alzheimer Research
Title: Mechanisms of Synaptic Homeostasis in Alzheimers Disease
Volume: 1 Issue: 1
Author(s): David H. Small
Affiliation:
Keywords: Amyloid, nicotinic receptor, neural network, computational neuroscience, amnesia, acetylcholinesterase, synaptic scaling
Abstract: Despite considerable progress in defining the role of the β-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease (AD), the mechanism by which accumulation of Aβ causes dementia remains elusive. Memory loss is probably caused by an Aβ-induced change in synaptic plasticity. Computational neuroscience (neural network modelling) studies demonstrate that cell death (or synaptic loss as a consequence of cell death) per se cannot cause the specific pattern of gradual amnesia that occurs in AD. Amnesia typical of that seen in AD can only be produced when synaptic scaling occurs. Synaptic scaling is a compensatory homeostatic mechanism which maintains the excitatory response of individual neurons and prevents the catastrophic amnesia associated with synapse loss. In this review, several possible mechanisms of synaptic scaling are described.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Small H. David, Mechanisms of Synaptic Homeostasis in Alzheimers Disease, Current Alzheimer Research 2004; 1 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567205043480573
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567205043480573 |
Print ISSN 1567-2050 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5828 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
The Urokinase Receptor in the Central Nervous System
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Editorial: Advances in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Epilepsy
Current Pharmaceutical Design Carotenoids of Microalgae Used in Food Industry and Medicine
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Vascular Effects of Ambient Pollutant Particles and Metals
Current Vascular Pharmacology Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: What we have Learned in the Last 25 Years? (A Comparative Literature Review)
Current Cardiology Reviews Formaldehyde as a trigger for protein aggregation and potential target for mitigation of age-related, progressive cognitive impairment
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry The Role of Atropine Eye Drops in Myopia Control
Current Pharmaceutical Design Depression and Anxiety Levels Increase Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Current Alzheimer Research L-Type Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels As Therapeutic Targets for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry Mechanistic Description of Natural Herbs in the Treatment of Dementia: A Systematic Review
Current Psychopharmacology Effects of PPARγ Ligands on Vascular Tone
Current Molecular Pharmacology Propofol: Therapeutic Indications and Side-Effects
Current Pharmaceutical Design Paediatric Antiretroviral Drug Targets
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets Screening Neuroprotective Agents Through 4-hydroxynonenal, Ethanol, High Glucose, Homocysteine, Okadaic Acid, Rotenone, and Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation Induced PC12 Injury Models: A Review
Current Psychopharmacology The Peripheral Anionic Site of Acetylcholinesterase: Structure, Functions and Potential Role in Rational Drug Design
Current Pharmaceutical Design α-Synuclein Ubiquitination and Novel Therapeutic Targets for Parkinson's Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Targeting RGD Recognizing Integrins: Drug Development, Biomaterial Research, Tumor Imaging and Targeting
Current Pharmaceutical Design Role of Vitamins in Human Health and Nutrition: Sources and Morbidity
Current Nutrition & Food Science Emerging Vascular Risk Factors in Women: Any Differences from Men?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Lipoprotein (a) Evolution: Possible Benefits and Harm. Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Influencing its Plasma Levels
Current Medicinal Chemistry