Using two-color uncaging of glutamate and GABA in rat hippocampal slices, the authors show that appropriately timed activation of dendritic GABAA and glutamate receptors promotes spine shrinkage and elimination. These effects spread locally to adjacent spines, involve NMDA receptors and the recruitment of calcium nanodomains, and can compete with spine enlargement in an ADF/cofilin-dependent manner.
- Tatsuya Hayama
- Jun Noguchi
- Haruo Kasai