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.

Mechanism

LTP is induced by a series of action potentials which cause a variety of biochemical responses. Eventually, the reactions cause the expression of new receptors on the cellular membranes of the post-synaptic neurons or increase the efficacy of the existing receptors through phosphorylation.

History

The phenomenon of LTP was first 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.

Role in disease

Alterations in LTP have been linked to a variety of memory disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders.

See also

• Synaptic plasticity
• Memory
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Psychiatric disorders

References

Long term potentiation Resources
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