long-term potentiation (LTP)
an increase in a cell’s firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation; a neural basis for learning and memory
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a process where the strength of the connection between two neurons is increased for an extended period of time. This process is essential for synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience.
LTP occurs when a synapse between two neurons is repeatedly stimulated at high frequency. This causes changes in the structure and function of the synapse, which leads to an increase in the strength of the connection between the two neurons. This strengthening of the connection makes it easier for the neurons to communicate with each other, which can influence behavior and cognition.
LTP has been implicated in various processes, including learning and memory. Studies have shown that when animals or humans learn new information, there are changes in the strength of the synapses in the brain, including the induction of LTP. This suggests that LTP plays a critical role in the storage and retrieval of memories.
Furthermore, abnormalities in LTP have been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, there is a decrease in LTP, which is thought to contribute to the cognitive decline observed in patients. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying LTP may be important for the development of new treatments for these disorders.
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