Biochemical compartmentalization in dendrites
Biochemical compartmentalization in dendrites
Dendrites have both electrical and biochemical characters, which are closely linked. This chapter discusses dendrites as compartments for chemical signals such as concentration changes of ions or other second messengers, which can cause activation of enzymes. In particular, it focuses on the question to what extent these signals can be confined to only part of the dendritic tree. Such ‘compartmentalization’ is considered the basis of local modifications of dendritic properties, in particular to achieve input-specific changes of synaptic strength. Following an introduction, the chapter first discusses general factors that affect compartmentalization of chemical signals, including diffusion, intracellular binding, and removal mechanisms. It then provides examples of dendritic ion and second messenger signaling, with the main focus on calcium signaling, for which the most detailed information is available from imaging studies.
Keywords: biochemical compartmentalization, chemical signals, dendritic tree, ion concentration, synaptic strength, calcium signaling
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