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Related Concept Videos

Long-term Depression01:05

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.
Long-term Depression01:03

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.
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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

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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.
Understanding Sleep01:11

Understanding Sleep

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
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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...

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Updated: May 11, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
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Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood

Published on: October 2, 2019

Sleep and synaptic changes.

Chiara Cirelli1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|April 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sleep and wakefulness significantly alter synapses, affecting their structure, function, and plasticity. Sleep loss impairs long-term potentiation, potentially impacting memory and cognitive abilities.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Plasticity
  • Sleep Research

Background:

  • Synaptic plasticity is crucial for learning and memory.
  • The impact of sleep and wakefulness on synaptic structure and function is an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how sleep, spontaneous wake, chronic sleep restriction, and acute sleep deprivation affect synapses.
  • To understand the molecular and functional consequences of sleep loss on synaptic efficacy and plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular approaches
  • Electrophysiological recordings
  • Structural analyses

Main Results:

  • Even short periods of sleep or wakefulness can alter synaptic molecular composition.
  • Synapses show changes in efficacy, growth, and shrinkage following sleep or wake states.
  • Sleep deprivation impairs long-term potentiation (LTP) at synapses.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep and wakefulness dynamically regulate synaptic structure and function.
  • Impaired LTP due to sleep loss may contribute to cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation.