Cortical synapses

Recent data suggest that a progressive increase in tonic mGluR activity during postnatal development contributes to a reduction of release probability of glutamate in excitatory cortical synapses (Chen and Roper 2004). Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor activation produces a direct excitation of... 

Similar to axons, synapses are initially overproduced in the infant primate, reaching their maximum number during infancy (2-4 months of age) (Rakic et ah, 1986). Cortical synapses are eventually pruned down to a density of approximately 15 to 20 synapses/100 lm of neuropil. Axons and synapses are eliminated through different time courses (Fig. 1.7). In primates, the adult number of synapses in the primate cerebral cortex is not achieved until near adolescence (Rakic et ah, 1986). 

Bolay H, Dalkara T (1998) Mechanisms of motor dysfunction after transient MCA occlusion persistent transmission failure in cortical synapses is a major determinant. Stroke 29 1988-1993... 

Soustek Z. 1989. Ultrastructure of cortical synapses in the brain of schizophrenics. Zentralbl Allg Pathol 135 ... 

With an organ as complex as the human brain, many features of its structure and function can be called important, but maybe its most important attribute is its plasticity, a term neuroscientists use to identify the functional and anatomical malleability of the brain in response to experience. Of particular significance are neuronal connections in the cerebral cortex—that is, the plasticity of cortical synapses that apparently makes memory and learning and new responsive behavior possible. 

West, R. W. and Greenough, W. T. (1972). Effect of environmental complexity on cortical synapses of rats Preliminary results. Behav. Biol, 7, 279-284. 

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