PSY290H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Phosphodiesterase 4, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, Nmda Receptor
Document Summary
How do we represent learning on a neuronal level in the brain? (class discussion) Learning needs to be represented by a change in the connections in the neurons (ie. synaptic connections and their relationships to parts of the brain) Hebb: changes in in behaviour should be reflected by changes in neurons. Changes in learning is called synaptic plasticity. If activity between 2 cells is correlated in time and space, the strength of the connection will increase. The response of a neuron depends on the frequency that one neuron excites another. Dr. eric kandel: studied affects of epsp, ltp: long term potentiation, increase in epsp, stimulation of cell never changes, reflecting a post-synaptic change, ltp: long term depression, decrease in epsp, stimulation still stays the same. Aplysia: big ass sea slug, represent a model for synaptic plasticity. Sensitization: increased response to stimuli following the presentation of a prominent stimulus (eg. loud sound, strong smell)
