Enhanced cycling of presynaptic vesicles during long-term potentiation in rat hippocampus.

ABSTRACT: Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a widely studied form of synaptic plasticity engaged during learning and memory. Here the ultrastructural evidence is reviewed that supports an elevated and sustained increase in the probability of vesicle release and recycling during LTP. In hippocampal area CA1, small dense-core vesicles and tethered synaptic vesicles are recruited to presynaptic boutons enlarging active zones. By 2 h during LTP, there is a sustained loss of vesicles, especially in presynaptic boutons containing mitochondria and clathrin-coated pits. This decrease in vesicles accompanies an enlargement of the presynaptic bouton, suggesting they supply membrane needed for the enlarged bouton surface area. The spatial relationship of vesicles to the active zone varies with functional status.

SUBMITTER: Harris KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559972 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature