paired-pulse facilitation
Also written as: PPF — paired-pulse facilitation
Enhanced neurotransmitter release when two stimuli are delivered in close succession.
Full Definition
Paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) is a form of short-term synaptic plasticity in which the response to a second stimulus is enhanced when it follows the first stimulus by a brief interval (typically 10-100 milliseconds). This enhancement is thought to result from residual calcium in the presynaptic terminal from the first stimulus, which increases the probability of vesicle release during the second stimulus. PPF is purely presynaptic in origin and provides a useful tool for distinguishing presynaptic from postsynaptic mechanisms of synaptic modulation. The magnitude and time course of PPF vary across different synapses and can be altered by various experimental manipulations and pathological conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from paired-pulse depression, which has the opposite effect.
In Context
- "The observed PPF confirmed that the synaptic enhancement was presynaptic in origin." — Synaptic physiology research
- "Paired-pulse facilitation was reduced in synapses from the knockout mice." — Genetic study results