title: NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTP/LTD).
abstract: Long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTP/LTD) can be elicited by activating N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors, typically by the coincident activity of pre- and postsynaptic neurons. The early phases of expression are mediated by a redistribution of AMPA-type glutamate receptors: More receptors are added to potentiate the synapse or receptors are removed to weaken synapses. With time, structural changes become apparent, which in general require the synthesis of new proteins. The investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these forms of synaptic plasticity has received much attention, because NMDA receptor-dependent LTP and LTD may constitute cellular substrates of learning and memory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Neurosciences and Clinic of Neurology, University of Geneva, Switzerland. Christian.Luscher@unige.ch
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lüscher
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Malenka
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D036881:Long-Term Synaptic Depression / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate