Electrical synaptic transmission via gap junctions underlies direct and rapid neuronal communication in the central nervous system. The diversity of functional roles played by electrical synapses is perhaps best exemplified in the vertebrate retina, in which gap junctions are expressed by each of the five major neuronal types. These junctions are highly plastic; they are dynamically regulated by ambient illumination and circadian rhythms acting through light-activated neuromodulators. The networks formed by electrically coupled neurons provide plastic, reconfigurable circuits positioned to play key and diverse roles in the transmission and processing of visual information at every retinal level. Recent work indicates gap junctions also play a role in the progressive cell death and aberrant activity seen in various pathological conditions of the retina. Gap junctions thus form potential targets for novel neuroprotective therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as glaucoma and ischemic retinopathies.

中文翻译：

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视网膜间隙连接处的可塑性：在突触生理和疾病中的作用。

通过间隙连接的电突触传递是中枢神经系统中直接和快速的神经元通讯的基础。电突触所发挥的功能作用的多样性也许在脊椎动物视网膜中得到了最好的体现，在该视网膜中，间隙连接由五种主要神经元类型的每一种表达。这些连接点是高塑性的；它们受环境光照和通过光激活神经调节剂起作用的昼夜节律动态调节。由电耦合的神经元形成的网络提供可重构的塑料电路，这些电路在每个视网膜级别的视觉信息的传输和处理中都扮演着关键的角色。最近的工作表明，间隙连接在视网膜的各种病理状态下所见的进行性细胞死亡和异常活动中也起作用。因此，间隙连接形成了新的神经保护疗法在治疗诸如青光眼和缺血性视网膜病等神经退行性视网膜疾病中的潜在靶标。