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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Synapses01:25

Overview of Synapses

A synapse is a specialized structure where two neurons connect, allowing them to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. It is the point of communication between neurons. The term "synapse" is derived from the Greek word "synapsis," which means "conjunction." The entire process of neural communication revolves around the synapse. When activated, a neuron releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters cross the synapse and bind to...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)01:32

Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)

Postsynaptic potential (PSP) refers to a change in the electrical potential of a neuron when neurotransmitters released by presynaptic neurons bind to postsynaptic receptors. This potential can either be excitatory, leading to depolarization and ultimately action potential generation, or inhibitory, leading to hyperpolarization and suppression of the postsynaptic neuron.
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
Long-term Potentiation01:25

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Long-term Potentiation01:35

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Synaptic plasticity along the sleep-wake cycle: implications for epilepsy.

Rodrigo N Romcy-Pereira1, João P Leite, Norberto Garcia-Cairasco

  • 1Department of Neurology, Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Synaptic plasticity, crucial for learning, is modulated by sleep states. This review explores how sleep impacts synaptic changes and influences epileptic seizures, offering insights into brain function and disorders.

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Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo
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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
09:06

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Published on: December 22, 2016

Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo
10:19

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Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice
08:58

Optogenetic Manipulation of Neural Circuits During Monitoring Sleep/wakefulness States in Mice

Published on: June 19, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Synaptic plasticity underlies learning and memory by modifying neuronal communication.
  • Mechanisms include receptor redistribution, signaling cascades, and dendritic spine dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review synaptic plasticity changes during wake and sleep states.
  • To explore the influence of sleep on epileptic seizures.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current understanding.
  • Analysis of neurochemical and neuronal firing modes during sleep-wake cycles.

Main Results:

  • Sleep-wake cycles, through distinct oscillatory patterns, modulate synaptic plasticity.
  • Sleep deprivation affects plasticity in the visual cortex; sleep facilitates hippocampal long-term potentiation.
  • Synchronized states in epilepsy are linked to paroxysmal discharges.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep significantly modulates synaptic plasticity, impacting neuronal processing.
  • Understanding sleep's role in plasticity may offer new perspectives on epilepsy management.