NMDA Receptor-Dependent Long-Term Potentiation and Long-Term Depression (LTP/LTD)

  1. Robert C. Malenka2
  1. 1Department of Basic Neurosciences and Clinic of Neurology, University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
  2. 2Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94305-5453
  1. Correspondence: Christian.Luscher{at}unige.ch and malenka{at}stanford.edu

Abstract

Long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTP/LTD) can be elicited by activating N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors, typically by the coincident activity of pre- and postsynaptic neurons. The early phases of expression are mediated by a redistribution of AMPA-type glutamate receptors: More receptors are added to potentiate the synapse or receptors are removed to weaken synapses. With time, structural changes become apparent, which in general require the synthesis of new proteins. The investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these forms of synaptic plasticity has received much attention, because NMDA receptor–dependent LTP and LTD may constitute cellular substrates of learning and memory.



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      1. Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 4: a005710 Copyright © 2012 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved

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