Lecture 7: Neuronal Plasticity I : Molecular Mechanisms

Question 1

Neural Plasticity

Answer 1

the ability of the brain cells(neurons, glia, astrocytes) to adapt in terms of genetics, structure, physiology and behavior

Question 2

forms of neural plasticity

Answer 2

synaptic : short/long term, strengthen/weaken
Long term potentiation/depression

behavioral: Aplysia gill withdrawal reflex
habitation- you constantly being exposed to a stimuli and you get tired off it (ex. listening to a song for the first time)

Question 3

Hebbs theory of changes underlying learning and memory in 3 stages:

Answer 3

(1) Synaptic changes(strengthening)
(2) formation of a “cell assembly”( a group of neurons working together)
(3) formation of a “phase sequence” ( A group of neurons firing together)

Question 4

synaptic plasticity

Answer 4

change in synaptic strength

Question 5

alterations in the presynaptic terminal

Answer 5

amount of neurotransmitters/neuromodulators released as well as the expression of calcium channels

Question 6

alterations in the postsynaptic side

Answer 6

amount of receptors expressed (up regulation or down regulation)

Question 7

The maintenance of LTP is due to the

The induction of LTP relies on

Answer 7

insertion of more AMPA receptors into the postsynaptic membrane

the activation of NMDA receptors

Question 8

LTP

Answer 8

the insertion of AMPA receptors on the postsynaptic side increases the strength of the synaptic potential(more Na+ ions can eneter the cell)

Question 9

CREB

Answer 9

cAMP response element binding protein

Question 10

LTP activates BLANK which phosphorylate targets

Answer 10

protein kinases

Question 11

LTD activates BLANK that cleaves phosphate groups from these targets molecules

Answer 11

a Ca2+ dependent phosphatase

evidence in support of this is that phosphatase inhibitors block LTD

Question 12

LTD is associated with

Answer 12

loss of synaptic AMPA receptors

Question 13

cocaine exposure caused a

Answer 13

larger response to AMPA but not NMDA