Effect of the initial synaptic state on the probability to induce long-term potentiation and depression.

ABSTRACT: Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are the two major forms of long-lasting synaptic plasticity in the mammalian neurons, and are directly related to higher brain functions such as learning and memory. Experimentally, they are characterized by a change in the strength of a synaptic connection induced by repetitive and properly patterned stimulation protocols. Although many important details of the molecular events leading to LTP and LTD are known, experimenters often report problems in using standard induction protocols to obtain consistent results, especially for LTD in vivo. We hypothesize that a possible source of confusion in interpreting the results, from any given experiment on synaptic plasticity, can be the intrinsic limitation of the experimental techniques

SUBMITTER: Migliore M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4375721 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature