Long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation (often abbreviated as LTP) is a long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them synchronously. It is one of several phenomena underlying synaptic plasticity, the ability of chemical synapses to change their strength. As memories are thought to be encoded by modification of synaptic strength, LTP is widely considered one of the major cellular mechanisms that underlies learning and memory.

Overview

LTP was discovered in the rabbit hippocampus by Terje Lømo in 1966 and has remained a popular subject of research since. Many modern LTP studies seek to better understand its basic biology, while others aim to draw a causal link between LTP and behavioral learning. Still others try to develop methods to artificially manipulate LTP to improve learning and memory. LTP is also a subject of clinical research, for example, in the areas of Alzheimer's disease and addiction medicine.

Mechanism

The molecular mechanisms underlying LTP have been the subject of much debate, and multiple competing models exist. Most models involve the increase in synaptic strength being the result of either an increase in the probability of the release of synaptic vesicles, an increase in the number of receptor proteins in the postsynaptic neuron, or both.

Role in memory

The role of LTP in memory is still a matter of debate, but it is generally believed to be a major mechanism by which memories are stored in the brain. This belief is supported by a number of observations, including the fact that LTP occurs at synapses in the hippocampus, a brain structure that is critical for learning and memory.

See also

• Synaptic plasticity
• Memory
• Neuroscience
• Hippocampus

References

Long-term potentiation Resources
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