Variations of synaptic strength are thought to underlie forms of learning and can functionally reshape neural circuits. Metabotropic glutamate receptors play key roles in regulating the strength of chemical synapses. However, information within neural circuits is also conveyed via a second modality of transmission: gap junction-mediated synapses. We review here evidence indicating that metabotropic glutamate receptors also play important roles in the regulation of synaptic communication mediated by neuronal gap junctions, also known as ‘electrical synapses’. Activity-driven interactions between metabotropic glutamate receptors and neuronal gap junctions can lead to long-term changes in the strength of electrical synapses. Further, the regulatory action of metabotropic glutamate receptors on neuronal gap junctions is not restricted to adulthood but is also of critical relevance during brain development and contributes to the pathological mechanisms that follow brain injury.

突触强度的变化被认为是学习形式的基础，并且可以在功能上重塑神经回路。代谢型谷氨酸受体在调节化学突触的强度中起关键作用。然而，神经回路内的信息也通过第二种传输方式传递：间隙连接介导的突触。我们在这里回顾了表明代谢型谷氨酸受体在调节由神经元间隙连接（也称为“电突触”）介导的突触通讯中发挥重要作用的证据。代谢型谷氨酸受体和神经元间隙连接之间的活动驱动的相互作用可导致电突触强度的长期变化。进一步，