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Long-term Potentiation

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.

Long-term Potentiation

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 Depression

Long-term Depression

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

Long-term Depression

Long-term Depression

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

Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Improved Preparation and Preservation of Hippocampal Mouse Slices for a Very Stable and Reproducible Recording of Long-term Potentiation

Improved Preparation and Preservation of Hippocampal Mouse Slices for a Very Stable and Reproducible Recording of Long-term Potentiation

Published on: June 26, 2013

The pre/post LTP debate.

John E Lisman¹

¹Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA. lisman@brandeis.edu

|August 15, 2009

Summary

The pre/post debate in neuroscience explores if long-term potentiation (LTP) involves presynaptic release or postsynaptic changes. New research suggests a mechanism enhancing neurotransmitter release, potentially reconciling conflicting findings in synaptic plasticity.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Synaptic Plasticity
Molecular Biology

Background:

The long-term potentiation (LTP) field is divided on whether synaptic strengthening results from presynaptic neurotransmitter release enhancement or postsynaptic receptor changes.
Conflicting studies have presented evidence for purely postsynaptic or purely presynaptic mechanisms.
Technical advancements enable precise study of central synapses, intensifying the debate.

Discussion:

Investigates the pre/post debate concerning the mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation (LTP).
Examines recent findings suggesting purely postsynaptic or purely presynaptic modifications.
Highlights a novel mechanism proposed by Ahmed and Siegelbam for enhanced neurotransmitter release.

Key Insights:

A new study proposes a specific mechanism for enhanced presynaptic release contributing to LTP.

More Related Videos

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Published on: November 7, 2025

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Published on: August 11, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Improved Preparation and Preservation of Hippocampal Mouse Slices for a Very Stable and Reproducible Recording of Long-term Potentiation

Improved Preparation and Preservation of Hippocampal Mouse Slices for a Very Stable and Reproducible Recording of Long-term Potentiation

Published on: June 26, 2013

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Published on: November 7, 2025

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Investigating Long-term Synaptic Plasticity in Interlamellar Hippocampus CA1 by Electrophysiological Field Recording

Published on: August 11, 2019

The precise study of central synapses is crucial for resolving the LTP debate.

Conflicting evidence in synaptic plasticity research may be reconciled by considering both pre- and postsynaptic contributions.

Outlook:

Future research will likely focus on integrating presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms in synaptic plasticity.
Technological progress will continue to refine our understanding of LTP.
A unified model of LTP may emerge, reconciling diverse experimental observations.