Question

Neuroscience: Synaptic Physiology:

Describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Long Term Potentiation and Long Term Depression.

Focus on trafficking of new AMPA receptors and phosphorylation of existing AMPA receptors.

Also describe the stimulation pattern and the necessary cellular events that lead to the observed changes.

Answer 1

Long term potentiation provides strength to synapses and these are patterns of synaptic activity that produces increases in signal transmission between two neurons. Long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) are induced by specific pattern of activity. For LTP, both post and pre synaptic neurons are needed to be active at the same time ur LTD is induced by repeated activation of pre synaptic neurons at lower frequencies without post synaptic activity. For LTP, synaptic strength is created by more transmitter being released from presynaptic axons.