Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
09:39
Improved Preparation and Preservation of Hippocampal Mouse Slices for a Very Stable and Reproducible Recording of Long-term Potentiation
Published on: June 26, 2013
12-Lipoxygenase regulates hippocampal long-term potentiation by modulating L-type Ca2+ channels
Anthony J DeCostanzo1, Iryna Voloshyna, Zev B Rosen
1Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA. ajd2003@columbia.edu
Summary
The enzyme 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) plays a key role in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Its activity is crucial for theta burst stimulation-induced LTP, enhancing calcium influx via specific channels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a key mechanism for learning and memory.
- The precise molecular mediators of LTP remain debated, partly due to distinct forms of LTP.
- Calcium (Ca2+) influx is critical for LTP induction, with different sources playing varied roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synaptic LTP.
- To determine if 12-LO's function in LTP is dependent on stimulation patterns and Ca2+ sources.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings of synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices.
- Application of specific stimulation protocols (theta burst and 100 Hz tetanic).
- Pharmacological manipulation of NMDA receptors, L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and 12-LO activity.
Main Results:
- 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) activity is essential for LTP induced by theta burst stimulation.
- This form of LTP requires Ca2+ influx through both NMDA receptors and L-type channels.
- LTP induced by 100 Hz stimulation, dependent only on NMDA receptors, does not require 12-LO.
- 12-LO enhances postsynaptic Ca2+ influx via L-type channels during theta burst stimulation, mediated by its metabolite 12(S)-HPETE.
Conclusions:
- 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) is a pattern-dependent modulator of hippocampal LTP.
- The enzyme regulates LTP by influencing postsynaptic Ca2+ signaling through L-type channels.
- These findings clarify the role of 12-LO in synaptic plasticity and LTP.
Related Concept Videos
01:35Long-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.
01:25Long-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...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
01:03Long-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...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
01:05Long-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.
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...