Long-Term Potentiation and Depression as Putative Mechanisms for Memory Formation

Review
In: Neural Plasticity and Memory: From Genes to Brain Imaging. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2007. Chapter 2.

Excerpt

Experience-dependent changes in behavior are thought to derive from lasting changes in synaptic strength and neuronal excitability. This chapter attempts an overview of the mechanisms underlying induction and maintenance of long-lasting activity-dependent synaptic modifications as at least one of the key mechanisms by which experiences modify neural circuit behavior. We consider the important yet complex regulation of long-term potentiation and depression by prior synaptic activity as well as the influence of some neurotrophins as regulators of synaptic efficacy crucial issues concerning the contribution of long-lasting forms of synaptic modification to learning and memory.

Publication types

  • Review