BIOL 430 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Long-Term Depression, Dextromethorphan, Synaptogenesis
Document Summary
*synaptic connnections b/w neurons become stronger with long-lasting increase of synaptic strength. frequent activation >thought to be a way the brain changes in response to experience > and may be a mechanism underlying learning & memory. Activity-dependent reduction in the efficacy of neuronal synapses lasting hours or longer following a long patterned stimulus. **long-term potentiation and long-term depression (ltp/ltd) can be elicited by activating (nmda)-type glutamate receptors, typically by the coincident activity of pre- and postsynaptic neurons. Nmda receptors plays roles in long term depression. Emotional stress/ physical or mental abuse > can permenantantly change. # of nmdars on nerve cell bodies it has multiple binding sites for different ligands , also a ca channel. Glutamate across bbb would stimulate nmda receptors. Activity of receptors also affected by psychoactive dugs learning & memory: Dextremethorphan: in cough-suppresents ; a psycho active drug that can cause hallucinations. Glutamate plays a big role in long term changes within cns.
