module 7: Neuroplasticity Flashcards
(28 cards)
What does LTP stand for?
Long-Term Potentiation
LTP is a process associated with synaptic strengthening.
What process results in LTP?
Facilitation
Facilitation occurs due to high frequency (rapid) stimulation of a synapse.
Where was LTP first observed?
Hippocampus
LTP has also been observed in other brain regions.
Name two other brain regions where LTP has been observed.
- Amygdala
- Thalamus
- Cerebellum
These regions are involved in various neural processes.
What is the link between behavioral learning and LTP?
LTP is the neural correlate of actual learning
It indicates that an organism becomes more sensitive to a stimulus after learning.
True or False: LTP occurs only in the hippocampus.
False
LTP has been observed in multiple brain regions.
What is glutamate in relation to the hippocampus?
Glutamate is a hippocampus transmitter
It plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission and plasticity.
What occurs during regular (low frequency) stimulation?
Glutamate is released from the presynaptic terminal
This release is a key part of synaptic communication.
To which receptors does glutamate bind during regular stimulation?
Glutamate binds to AMPA or non-NMDA glutamate receptors
These receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission.
What ion flows through non-NMDA receptor channels upon glutamate binding?
Na+
This ion flow leads to depolarization of the postsynaptic cell.
What blocks the NMDA receptor channels under normal conditions?
Mg2+
This blockage prevents charged ions from flowing through.
What happens to the Mg2+ block during associative activity?
The Mg2+ block is removed
This allows for calcium entry through NMDA receptors.
What can glutamate combine with once the Mg2+ block is removed?
NMDA receptor
This combination allows Ca2+ to enter the postsynaptic cell.
What is the result of Ca2+ influx into the postsynaptic cell?
Causes long-term changes in receptor properties and gene activation
This can sensitize the number of receptors on the neuron surface.
Which protein kinases are activated by the influx of Ca2+?
CaMKII, PKC, TK
These kinases play a role in signaling pathways that affect gene expression.
What does the activation of CREB alter?
Gene transcription
CREB is crucial for long-term changes in synaptic strength.
What are retrograde messengers mentioned in the text?
Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and arachidonic acid
These messengers facilitate communication from postsynaptic to presynaptic cells.
What is the effect of retrograde messengers on glutamate release?
They facilitate the release of glutamate from the presynaptic cell
This results in increased glutamate availability for future synaptic activity.
What is the overall result of the processes described in the text?
More glutamate released leading to further strengthening of the synaptic response
This is a key mechanism in synaptic plasticity and learning.
What is neuroplasticity?
Ability of neurons and neural circuits to be remodeled by events
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself.
What are the two types of synaptic plasticity?
Structural or physiological
Structural plasticity involves physical changes in the brain, while physiological plasticity involves changes in how neurons communicate.
What does physiological change in synaptic plasticity include?
Increased neurotransmitter release and/or greater effect due to changes in neurotransmitter-receptor interactions
These changes enhance synaptic strength and efficacy.
How can synaptic activity be modulated?
By inputs from other neurons
This modulation can influence the strength and efficiency of synaptic transmission.
What are presynaptic changes in synaptic transmission?
More neurotransmitter release; less neurotransmitter reabsorbed
This refers to alterations at the presynaptic terminal that affect neurotransmitter dynamics.
