title: Long-term synaptic plasticity in the honeybee.
abstract: A monosynaptic response was recorded in vivo in the mushroom body of the bee brain, an important site for memory consolidation. Focal electrical stimulation of a major afferent input evoked an extracellular field potential that consisted of a presynaptic fiber volley and a postsynaptic response. We report a long-lasting potentiation of the synaptic response (2.6-fold increase; < or = 3.5 h). Potentiation of the response was induced by low-frequency stimulation (0.02-1.0 Hz), was input specific, and was maintained in the absence of stimulation. Paired-pulse facilitation of the response was converted to paired-pulse depression after potentiation, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism. This is the first demonstration of long-term synaptic plasticity in the insect brain.
authors.affiliation: Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra ACT.Sharon.Oleskevich@anu.edu.au
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oleskevich
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Clements
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D009833:Olfactory Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology