The Role of Activity in Synaptic Competition at the Neuromuscular Junction

An extended version of the dual constraint model of motor endplate morphogenesisis presented that includes activity dependent and independent competition. It is supported by a wide range of recent neurophysiological evidence that indicates a strong relationship betweensynaptic efficacy and survival. The computational model is justified at the molecular level and its predictions match the developmental and regenerative behaviour of real synapses.