Synaptic Plasticity Flashcards
What is Hebbs theory
When an axon of cell A is near enough to excite cell B and repeatedly or persistently takes part in firing it, some growth process or metabolic. Change takes place in one or both cells such that A’s efficiency, as one of the cells firing B, is increased.
What is synaptic plasticity
A change in the strength of synaptic communication
What is long term potentiation
The ability of synapses to strengthen over time in response to increased activity
What are the general properties of LTP
-input specificity
-associativity
-cooperativity
-persistence
What is the role of NMDA receptors in the induction of LTP
Calcium flow through NMDA receptors are activated at depolarised potentials
-coincidence detectors, detects presynaptic activity (glutamate) and postsynaptic activity (depolarisation)
Why is calcium a key signal along molecule for LTP
Influx of calcium ions activates intracellular signalling cascades
Outline low frequency stimulation
-NMDA receptor activation
-mGluR activation
-mAChR activation
