Steep function and synaptic homeostasis

This paper reviews a novel hypothesis about the functions of slow wave steep-the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis. According to the hypothesis, plastic processes occurring during wakefulness result in a net increase in synaptic strength in many brain circuits. The role of steep is to downscale synaptic strength to a baseline level that is energetically sustainable, makes efficient use of gray matter space, and is beneficial for learning and memory. Thus, steep is the price we have to pay for plasticity, and its goat is the homeostatic regulation of the total synaptic weight impinging on neurons. The hypothesis accounts for a large number of experimental facts, makes several specific predictions, and has implications for both steep and mood disorders. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.