Metaplasticity: the plasticity of synaptic plasticity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity

Background:

• Synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and depression, is crucial for learning and memory.
• Existing models often overlook higher-order regulatory mechanisms influencing plasticity induction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental evidence for metaplasticity, a novel form of persistent synaptic plasticity.
• To define metaplasticity as a change in the ability to induce subsequent synaptic plasticity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing experimental literature on synaptic plasticity.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating activity-dependent modifications of plasticity induction.

Main Results:

• Metaplasticity is induced by prior activity but affects future plasticity, not immediate transmission efficacy.
• This higher-order plasticity can involve NMDA-receptor function or other molecular mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Metaplasticity represents a critical regulatory layer in synaptic plasticity.
• Understanding metaplasticity is essential for interpreting standard plasticity phenomena like saturation.