BIOL 1F25 Lecture Notes - Donald O. Hebb, Long-Term Potentiation, Neocortex
24 May 2013
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Document Summary
Coincident activity in pre and post synaptic cells is critical for strengthening the connection between them. If cells 1 and 2 are firing action potentials at the same time (but not cell 3), only the connection between cells 1 and 2 will be strengthened (but not between 2 and 3) How does increased synaptic strength occur: molecular changes, morphological (structural) changes. Often studied in ca3 to ca1 pathway in hippocampus but can also occur in many other brain areas. Areas ca3 and ca1: different groups of cells located in the hippocampus. Ca3: pre-synaptic cell; sends message to ca1 neuron. Ca1: post-synaptic cell; synapse uses glutamate (excitatory transmitter) More glutamate receptors put into post-synaptic membrane; allows bigger response to transmitter. Both these effects lead to increase in synaptic strength that can last for many hours; i. e. long term potentiation (ltp) of synapse. Only activated synapses become strengthened; these effects occur at existing synapses between the cells.
