Memory long-term potentiation

Bliss, T. V. and Collingridge, G. L. A synaptic model of memory long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Nature 361 31-39,1993. 

AVP is excitatory in the ventral hippocampus, either directly or by potentiation of glutamatergic responses. An inhibitory effect has been observed in AVP may be involved in the formation of long-term potentiation and thus learning and memory. However, AVP is proconvulsive, may augment the formation of dmg tolerance and dependence, and affects cardiovascular regulatory processes. 

Functions of nNOS include long-term regulation of synaptic transmission in the CNS (long-term potentiation, long-term depression), whereas there is no evidence for an involvement of nNOS-derived NO in acute neurotransmission. Retrograde communication across synaptic junctions is presumed to be involved in memory... 

Despite the above precautions, it is still possible that NT spillover and extrasynaptic action may occur and indeed could be required in some instances. Thus the diffusion of glutamate beyond the synapse could activate extrasynaptic high-affinity NMDA or metabotropic receptors (Chapter 9) to produce long-lasting effects to maintain activity in a network. This may be important in long-term potentiation and memory effects. Crosstalk between synapses could also act as a back-up to ensure that a pathway functions properly (see Barbour and Hausser 1997). 

Lanahan A et al. Selective alteration of long-term potentiation-induced transcriptional response in hippocampus of aged, memory-impaired rats. J Neurosci 1997 17 2875-2885. 

Adenylyl cyclase in learning and memory. The cAMP-signal transduction cascade has been demonstrated to play a role critical to the formation of long-term memory in both cellular models and in animals. The specific adenylyl cyclases involved are being identified by current research. In AC1 mutant mice there is a partial disruption of long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular model of... 

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