Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 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
Long-term potentiation and long-term depression: a clinical perspective
Timothy V P Bliss1, Sam F Cooke
1National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK. tbliss@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|July 23, 2011
Summary
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are key synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Harnessing LTP and LTD offers potential treatments for neurological disorders by manipulating synaptic strength.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) represent enduring alterations in synaptic efficacy.
- These synaptic plasticity mechanisms are crucial for information storage in the central nervous system.
- Synaptic plasticity has been observed across diverse brain regions and animal species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physiological relevance and clinical applications of LTP and LTD.
- To highlight the potential of manipulating synaptic plasticity for therapeutic interventions.
- To discuss the convergence of molecular insights and technological advancements in brain activity manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on synaptic plasticity induction protocols.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying LTP and LTD.
- Exploration of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated capacity of chemical synapses to undergo lasting changes in efficacy.
- Identified potential for therapeutic applications of LTP and LTD.
- Highlighted advancements in non-invasive brain manipulation technologies.
Conclusions:
- LTP and LTD are fundamental to synaptic plasticity and neural information processing.
- Targeting synaptic plasticity holds promise for treating neurological conditions.
- Pharmacological and non-invasive stimulation approaches can modulate synaptic strength for therapeutic benefit.
Related Concept Videos
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.
01:03Long-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...
01:25Long-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...
01:35Long-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.
01:20Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
Several...
Several...
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...