Presynaptic somatic membrane potential can influence EPSPs
Modulation of intracortical synaptic potentials by presynaptic somatic membrane potential : Nature
Very interesting work. Modulation of the somatic potential seems to influence the EPSP, as measured by paired patch recordings of two layer 5 cells in cortical slice. Somatic depolarization from resting potential to near threshold results in an increase in evoked EPSPs.
In synaptic physiology, we often make a point of distinguishing intrinsic changes (eg. membrane potential) from synaptic conductance changes. Now it looks like the line between those might be a bit blurry!
Here’s a N&V by Eve Marder too.