Processing of information from different sources: spatial synaptic integration in the dendrites of vertebrate CNS neurons

Abstract

Most synapses on a neuron are distributed along the dendrites. Inputs from different types of presynaptic neurons often distribute to different dendritic compartments. This provides an anatomical framework for spatial synaptic integration. At the same time, a plethora of time- and voltage-dependent responses are present, usually with a distinct distribution over the somato-dendritic membrane. These intrinsic conductances shape the local dendritic response to ligand-gated conductances, and provide the dendrites with a dynamic way of regulating the interaction between synapses. Recent results from neurons in the vertebrate CNS exemplify these mechanisms of dendritic integration.