Communication Breakdown: the Impact of Ageing on Synapse Structure

Overview

Journal Ageing Res Rev

Specialty Geriatrics

Date 2014 Feb 6

PMID 24495392

Citations 67

Authors

Ronald S Petralia

Mark P Mattson

Pamela J Yao

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Impaired synaptic plasticity is implicated in the functional decline of the nervous system associated with ageing. Understanding the structure of ageing synapses is essential to understanding the functions of these synapses and their role in the ageing nervous system. In this review, we summarize studies on ageing synapses in vertebrates and invertebrates, focusing on changes in morphology and ultrastructure. We cover different parts of the nervous system, including the brain, the retina, the cochlea, and the neuromuscular junction. The morphological characteristics of aged synapses could shed light on the underlying molecular changes and their functional consequences.

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