Neuronal Mechanisms of Memory Formation : Concepts of Long-term Potentiation and Beyond

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is by far the most dominant model for neuronal changes that might encode memory. LTP is an elegant concept that meets many criteria set up by theoreticians long before the model's discovery, and it also fits anatomical data of learning-dependent synapse changes. Since the discovery of LTP, the question has remained about how closely LTP produced in vitro by artificial stimulation of neurons actually models putative learning-induced synaptic changes. A number of recent investigations have tried to correlate synaptic changes observed after learning with changes produced by artificial stimulation of neurons. These studies have failed to find a correlation between the two forms of synaptic plasticity. In this book, an international group of neurobiologists and psychologists discuss their latest ideas and data. The results of experiments using electrophysiological techniques in vitro are discussed and compared with the results of in vivo experiments. Learning experiments are also discussed. Theoretical models such as the Hebb theory of synaptic changes during learning are compared to different models that do not predict upregulation of synaptic transmission. A wide approach is taken, and research and models in different brain areas such as the neocortex and the basal brain are discussed. In This Book, An International Group Of Neurobiologists And Psychologists Discuss Their Latest Ideas And Data. The Results Of Experiments Using Electrophysiological Techniques In Vitro Are Discussed And Compared With The Results Of In Vivo Experiments. Learning Experiments Are Also Discussed. Theoretical Models, Such As The Hebb Theory Of Synaptic Changes During Learning, Are Compared To Different Models That Do Not Predict Upregulation Of Synaptic Transmission. A Wide Approach Is Taken, And Research And Models In Different Brain Areas Such As The Neocortex And The Basal Brain Are Discussed.--jacket. Introduction: Long-term Potentiation As A Model For Memory Mechanisms: The Story So Far / Christian Holscher -- Sect. 1. Long-term Potentiation In Vitro And In Vivo: How Can We Fine-tune The Current Models For Memory Formation? 1. Persisting With Long-term Potentiation As A Memory Mechanism: Clues From Variations In Long-term Potentiation Maintenance / Wickliffe C. Abraham. 2. Long-term Potentiation In The Amygdala: Implications For Memory / Michael T. Rogan, Marc G. Weisskopf And Yan-you Huang / [and Others]. 3. Multiple Roles For Synaptic Plasticity In Pavlovian Fear Conditioning / Stephen Maren. 4. Plasticity Of The Hippocampal Cellular Representation Of Space / Kathryn J. Jeffery. Edited By Christian Hölscher. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the most dominant model for neuronal changes that might encode memory. LTP is an elegant concept that meets many criteria set up by theoreticians long before the model's discovery, and also fits the anatomical data of learning-dependent synapse changes. Since the discovery of LTP, the question has remained regarding how closely LTP produced in vitro by artificial stimulation of neurons actually models putative learning-induced synaptic changes. A number of recent investigations have tried to correlate synaptic changes observed after learning with changes produced by artificial stimulation of neurons. Some of these studies have failed to find a correlation between the two forms of synaptic plasticity, signalling a need to discuss the concept of LTP and possible alternate processes that could fit the available data. This book presents a selection of ideas that range from supporters of the LTP theory to different novel concepts that have yet to be investigated. This volume will prepare the ground for research in this area in the new millennium.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

In this book, an international group of neurobiologists and psychologists discuss their latest findings and data which both support and challenge the long-term potentiation (LTP) model that suggests learning induces changes in communications between neurons. Essential reading for researchers and graduate students working in neuroscience, psychology and physiology. Studies of long-term potentiation (LTP) induction and persistence in awake animals have revealed intriguing regional differences.