Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 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
The postsynaptic density: a possible role in long-lasting effects in the central nervous system
Summary
Long-term neural changes require synaptic structure alterations, particularly in the postsynaptic density (PSD). These structural modifications, including protein changes, impact neural physiology at both pre- and postsynaptic terminals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Synaptic plasticity underlies learning and memory.
- Long-term potentiation involves persistent changes at synapses.
- The postsynaptic density (PSD) is a key structure at excitatory synapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a theory linking biochemical synaptic changes to long-term alterations.
- To highlight the role of postsynaptic density (PSD) structural modifications.
- To explore how PSD protein changes affect neural physiology.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical review of existing literature on synaptic plasticity.
- Analysis of structural changes reported in the postsynaptic density (PSD).
- Hypothesizing mechanisms of protein concentration and conformation changes.
Main Results:
- Biochemical stimulation of neuronal circuits can induce long-term changes.
- These changes are contingent upon alterations in synaptic structures, primarily the PSD.
- Structural changes involve modifications in PSD protein concentration and conformation.
Conclusions:
- Structural alterations in the postsynaptic density (PSD) are crucial for establishing long-term synaptic changes.
- Modifications in PSD proteins can influence dendritic spine and presynaptic terminal physiology.
- This theory integrates biochemical and structural perspectives on synaptic plasticity.
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.
01:05Long-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.
01:25Long-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...
01:26Chemical Synapses
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
01:26Chemical Synapses
Chemical synapses are specialized sites between two neurons or between a neuron and a non-neuronal cell like a muscle, glandular or sensory cell.
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...
Because chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal, there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels. Additionally, this signaling is...