Summary
A lasting strengthening of synapses after repeated stimulation, a cellular basis for learning.
In depth
High-frequency stimulation produces enduring increases in synaptic strength, shown first by Bliss and Lømo in rabbit hippocampus (1973). Involves AMPA receptor insertion and structural changes. LTD is the opposite. Hebb's rule: cells that fire together wire together.
LTP has early and late phases; late LTP needs protein synthesis. LTP is input-specific and associative. It is a leading model of learning.
Key idea: strengthened synapses store information.
Frequently asked questions
What is Long-Term Potentiation?
A lasting strengthening of synapses after repeated stimulation, a cellular basis for learning.
Which area of biology covers Long-Term Potentiation, and how advanced is it?
Long-Term Potentiation is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Synaptic Plasticity, Hippocampus and Memory Consolidation, Visual Cortex Processing.
Can you give an example of Long-Term Potentiation?
Blocking NMDA receptors impairs spatial learning in rats.
What should I learn before Long-Term Potentiation?
Work through the Beginner topics in Neuroscience first, such as Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, then return to Long-Term Potentiation. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Long-Term Potentiation?
The closest topics to Long-Term Potentiation are Synaptic Plasticity, Hippocampus and Memory Consolidation, Visual Cortex Processing, Summation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Long-Term Potentiation?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Long-Term Potentiation. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Long-Term Potentiation different from Synaptic Plasticity?
Long-Term Potentiation: A lasting strengthening of synapses after repeated stimulation, a cellular basis for learning. Synaptic Plasticity: The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity, via receptor trafficking and structural change. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Long-Term Potentiation step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Synaptic Plasticity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.