Neuroprotective Effects of Nicotine on Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation in Brain Disorders

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is commonly considered the cellular correlate of learning and memory. In learning and memory impairments, LTP is invariably diminished in the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory formation. LTP is measured electrophysiologically in various areas of the hippocampus. Two mechanistically distinct phases of LTP have been identified: early phase LTP, related to short-term memory; and late-phase LTP, related to long-term memory. These two forms can be severely reduced in a variety of conditions but can be rescued by treatment with nicotine. This report reviews the literature on the beneficial effect of nicotine on LTP in conditions that compromise learning and memory.