Autapse

Autapse is a type of synapse in which a neuron forms a connection with itself, typically in the form of an axon circling back onto the same neuron's dendrites. Autapses were first described by the neuroscientist Rodolfo Llinás in 1974.

Overview

Autapses can be either excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the type of neurotransmitter released and the receptors present on the neuron. Excitatory autapses can increase the likelihood of the neuron firing an action potential, while inhibitory autapses can decrease this likelihood.

Diagram of an autapse

Function

The function of autapses is not fully understood, but they are thought to play a role in modulating neuronal activity and in certain forms of plasticity. Some researchers have suggested that autapses may help to stabilize the activity of neural networks, while others have proposed that they could contribute to the generation of certain types of rhythmic activity.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in autaptic function have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. However, much more research is needed to fully understand the role of autapses in these conditions.

See also

• Neuron
• Synapse
• Neurotransmitter
• Neuroplasticity