Two components of long-term potentiation induced by different patterns of afferent activation

Nature. 1990 Oct 4;347(6292):477-9. doi: 10.1038/347477a0.

Abstract

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission could be a mechanism underlying memory. Induction of LTP requires Ca2+ influx into postsynaptic neurons through ion channels gated by NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in hippocampus (area CA1 and dentate gyrus) and neocortex. Here we report that a component of LTP not requiring the activation of NMDA receptors can be induced in area CA1. The component is dependent on tetanus frequency, requires increases in postsynaptic intracellular Ca2+ concentrations, and is suppressed by an antagonist of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / pharmacology*
  • Afferent Pathways / physiology
  • Animals
  • Calcium / physiology*
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • 2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate
  • Calcium