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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...

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.

Neurons: The Axon

Neurons: The Axon

Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.

Action Potentials

Action Potentials

Action Potential

Action Potential

Neurons communicate by firing action potentials—the electrochemical signal that is propagated along the axon. The signal results in the release of neurotransmitters at axon terminals, thereby transmitting information to the nervous system. An action potential is a specific "all-or-none" change in membrane potential that results in a rapid spike in voltage.
Membrane potential in neurons
Neurons typically have a resting membrane potential of about -70 millivolts (mV). When they receive...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Published on: September 20, 2024

Short- and long-term plasticity at the axon initial segment.

Matthew S Grubb¹, Yousheng Shu, Hiroshi Kuba

¹MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London SE11UL, United Kingdom. matthew.grubb@kcl.ac.uk

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience

|November 11, 2011

Summary

The axon initial segment (AIS) is crucial for neuron function and action potential initiation. Its structural and functional plasticity are key to development and linked to neurological disorders.

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

Published on: August 11, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized neuronal region critical for action potential initiation.
It serves as a boundary between axonal and somatodendritic compartments.
Recent advances have significantly improved our understanding of AIS molecular structure, maturation, and function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in understanding the axon initial segment (AIS).
To highlight the relationship between AIS structural and functional plasticity.
To connect AIS plasticity to neuronal development and disorders.

Main Methods:

Review of emerging research findings.
Analysis of studies on AIS molecular composition and dynamics.
Integration of data on short-term (ion channel function) and long-term (structural reorganization) plasticity.

Main Results:

The AIS is dynamically regulated on both short and long timescales.
Structural and functional plasticity are integral to AIS development.
Dysfunction in the AIS is linked to various neuronal disorders.

Conclusions:

The AIS exhibits significant structural and functional plasticity.
Understanding AIS plasticity is crucial for comprehending neuronal development and disease.
Further research into AIS dynamics may reveal therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.