Cellular Mechanisms of Hippocampal LTP and LTD

Processes of functional plasticity, i.e. long-lasting changes of the strength of synapticconnectivity in response to relative short-lastingafferent stimulation, are the most likely mechanismsunderlying memory storage in the adult brain. Thebest studied models of functional plasticity arelong-term potentiation (LTP) and long-termdepression (LTD). Rolipram, a specific type IV-specific cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, wasused in my initial studies to investigate its effecton late plastic events during functional CA1plasticity in rat hippocampal slices in vitro. Inthe later part of my studies, I was interested toinvestigate the question of what exactly is theputative nature of the synaptic tag. Are therespecific ´tags´ for LTP and LTD?

Autorentext

Dr. Sheeja Navakkode Gangadharan 2003-2006- Ph.D - IfN, Magdeburg, Germany, 'Summa Cum Laude'. Sajikumar S, Navakkode S, Sacktor TC and Frey JU (2005) J Neurosci. Sajikumar S, Navakkkode S, Frey JU (2005) Curr Opin Neurobiol. Navakkkode S, Sajikumar S and Frey JU (2005) J Neurosci. Navakkkode S, Sajikumar S and Frey JU (2004), J Neurosci

Klappentext

Processes of functional plasticity, i.e. long- lasting changes of the strength of synaptic connectivity in response to relative short-lasting afferent stimulation, are the most likely mechanisms underlying memory storage in the adult brain. The best studied models of functional plasticity are long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Rolipram, a specific type IV- specific cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, was used in my initial studies to investigate its effect on late plastic events during functional CA1 plasticity in rat hippocampal slices in vitro. In the later part of my studies, I was interested to investigate the question of what exactly is the putative nature of the synaptic tag. Are there specific tags for LTP and LTD?