Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity where repeated stimulation of a synapse increases its strength, enhancing the likelihood of future activation and contributing to memory formation.
LTP mechanisms
The LTP process
In this image, note the key components of the synapse in hippocampus such as:
- Presynaptic neuron releasing glutamate
- NMDA receptor activation and Mg²⁺ block removal
- Ca²⁺ influx into the postsynaptic neuron
- Inducing signaling cascade to increase numbers of receptors
- Nitric oxide (NO) acting as a retrograde messenger (not shown but plays an important role). This strengthens synaptic connections over time.
Review questions
Review
Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in long-term potentiation in the hippocampus?
Review
A researcher blocks NMDA receptors in hippocampal neurons during a learning task. What is the most likely outcome of this intervention?
NMDA receptor activation is essential for calcium influx and downstream changes that support LTP and memory consolidation.