A Talk by Christian Hansel : Dendritic complexity and plasticity in cerebellar Purkinje cells

Abstract : Information processing in neurons includes the generation of local synaptic potentials and propagation of these potentials toward the soma and axon initial segment (AIS) where they may reach the threshold for the generation of action potentials. The probability for successful communication between neurons is thought to depend on synaptic long-term plasticity (incl. potentiation; LTP).

Here, I will present results from two-photon recordings of the awake mouse cerebellum showing that LTP alone is insufficient to control spike output.

A second, non-synaptic plasticity mechanism (intrinsic plasticity of membrane excitability) provides an additional permissive gate mechanism that is essential for learning. I will also show data obtained from neocortical L2/3 pyramidal neurons that demonstrate that the induction threshold for intrinsic plasticity is lower than that for synaptic plasticity. A consequence of this finding is that excitability of neurons can be changed without altering synaptic weights.

Finally, I will show that the complexity of Purkinje cell dendrites in the human cerebellum is largely exceeding that of rodent Purkinje cells, and that Purkinje cells with human (-like) features of dendritic architecture are at enhanced probability contacted by two or more climbing fiber inputs in the adult cerebellum, instead of the one described in the textbook literature. I will also show new data on developing dendritic complexity in various species of apes and in the elephant cerebellum.

If you want to meet Christian, please contact bkuhn@oist.jp

[Zoom]

Link : https://oist.zoom.us/j/98009304057?pwd=qNF3ndg3HbMhzMuf0GaixPr6br41cg.1

ID : 980 0930 4057
Pass Code : 147559