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Postsynaptic density
| Postsynaptic density | |
|---|---|
 Ultra-structural analysis of synapses in the brainstem of wild-type (WT) mice at embryonic day 18.5. Synapses of WT neurons in the pre-Bötzinger-complex area exhibit presynaptic vesicles (asterisks), a synaptic cleft and a distinct postsynaptic density (arrowheads). Scale bar, 250 nm. From Heupel et al., 2008 | |
| Details | |
| System | Nervous system |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | densitas postsynaptica |
| MeSH | D057907 |
| TH | H2.00.06.2.00021 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a protein dense specialization attached to the postsynaptic membrane. PSDs were originally identified by electron microscopy as an electron-dense region at the membrane of a postsynaptic neuron. The PSD is in close apposition to the presynaptic active zone and ensures that receptors are in close proximity to presynaptic neurotransmitter release sites.[1] PSDs vary in size and composition among brain regions, and have been studied in great detail at glutamatergic synapses. Hundreds of proteins have been identified in the postsynaptic density, including glutamate receptors, scaffold proteins, and many signaling molecules.
- ^ Sweatt, J. D. (2008-01-01), Byrne, John H. (ed.), "4.20 - The NMDA Receptor", Learning and Memory: A Comprehensive Reference, Oxford: Academic Press, pp. 409–426, doi:10.1016/b978-012370509-9.00020-6, ISBN 978-0-12-370509-9, retrieved 2020-12-23
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