synapseindependent

Synapseindependent is an adjective used in neuroscience and related fields to describe processes, models, or phenomena that operate without relying on chemical synapses. The term stands in contrast to synapse-dependent mechanisms, which require synaptic transmission or synaptic plasticity to mediate neural computation and communication.

Potentially synapse-independent mechanisms include intrinsic excitability changes within neurons, non-synaptic forms of communication such as gap junctions (electrical coupling), ephaptic interactions among nearby neurons, and volume transmission of neuromodulators or ions. In computational contexts, synapseindependent models constrain learning or information processing to non-synaptic channels, or treat synaptic changes as absent or negligible.

In research, the concept is used to explore the extent to which neural computation can arise from non-synaptic processes, the brain's resilience to synapse loss, and the separate contributions of intrinsic plasticity and synaptic plasticity to learning. It also appears in discussions of neuromorphic design where non-synaptic signaling may contribute to computation.

Because "synapseindependent" is not a formally defined term with widespread consensus, its meaning can vary by author. It is often used descriptively to indicate exclusion of synaptic mechanisms in a model or hypothesis, rather than asserting that a system functions exclusively without any synapses.

See also: intrinsic plasticity, synaptic plasticity, gap junctions, ephaptic coupling, volume transmission, neuromorphic engineering.