Question

1.       Describe the experimental paradigm for understanding memory and learning in a mammal: LTP in the hippocampus.

2.       Demonstrate how, at the receptor level, LTP requires simultaneous activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons (i.e., Hebbian learning).

Answer 1

LTP or Long Term Potentiation is an experimental paradigm that is believed to simulate learning in vivo.

In the paradigm, an exciting electrode and a recording electrode are placed into the brain of the animal, usually into an area called the hippocampus.

The electrodes are position such that the action of the excitation electrode activates the neurons near the recording electrode through a single synapse.

LTP across many synapse in the brain forming a network, is the mechanism of learning.

The ability of a presynaptic neuron to activate a post-synaptic neuron is called as synaptic efficiency. LTP is detected as an increase in synaptic efficiency. Hence LTP requires simultaneous activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons