Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Formation
Abstract
Studies were conducted on the induction, expression, and stabilization of long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity that is likely to participate in memory encoding. Induction was shown to involve a glycine receptor site that modulates calcium fluxes through a subclass of transmitter receptors. Other results indicated that LTP expression is not likely to involve release or changes in spine increased resistance, but did provide direct evidence that potentiation reflects a change in the conductance properties of post-synaptic receptors. The hypothesis was developed that stabilization of LTP involves a disconnection and reconnection of adhesive relationships that maintain the organization of the synaptic region. This involves a calcium sensitive protease that cleaves cytoskeletal proteins and the exposure of a group of adhesion receptors known as integrins. Together with results form previous years of support, and from other laboratories, work over the past year has led to a reasonable complete hypothesis concerning how synapses can be rapidly transformed from one stable state to another and thus be used as memory storage devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA230617
Entities
People
- Gary Lynch
Organizations
- University of California, Irvine