突触是神经环路中相邻神经元之间进行信息传递的点状接触区域;其中仅具有突触结构,在正常情况下不产生生理功能的突触称为沉默突触。沉默突触转化为功能性突触在神经可塑性中具有重要的作用,阐明其产生和激活的机制将对神经系统研究产生深远的影响。本文即针对沉默突触的概念、可能的激活机制及其在神经可塑性中作用的研究进展作一综述。 Synapses are point-like contact areas where information is transmitted between adjacent neurons in the neural circuit. Synapses, which have only synaptic structures and do not normally produce physiological functions, are called silent synapses. The conversion of silent synapses into functional synapses plays an important role in neuroplasticity, and elucidating the mechanism of its production and activation will have a far-reaching impact on neurological research. This article reviews the concept of silent synapses, possible activation mechanisms and their role in neural plasticity are reviewed.