In the CNS, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts as an inhibitory transmitter via ligand-gated GABA(A) receptor channels and G protein-coupled GABA(B) receptors. Both of these receptor types mediate inhibitory postsynaptic transmission throughout the nervous system. For GABA(A) receptors, this inhibitory action is associated with a hyperpolarization due to an increase in conductance to chloride ...

Retrograde signaling is a powerful tool to shape synaptic transmission, typically inducing inhibition of transmitter release. A new study published in this issue of Neuron by Carta et al. (2014) now provides strong support for arachidonic acid as a potentiating retrograde messenger.

While some neurons are tuned to integrate fast and precisely timed inputs, others set behavioral states on much slower timescales. In this issue of Cell, Branco et al. demonstrate that body weight is regulated by hypothalamic neurons using a highly effective form of slow synaptic integration, which is mediated by the voltage gated sodium channel Nav1.7.

Viewed within the framework of activation theory, individuals with low visual acuity might conceivably be seen as persons with low preferred levels of activation who seek to reduce stimulus input in order to maintain activation at their preferred level. It was hypothesized, therefore, that persons with low visual acuity would demonstrate less receptivity to environmental stimulation than highac...