Synaptic plasticity: mechanisms and functions

This lecture covers the cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, focusing on long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). It explains how LTP is induced by high-frequency stimulation and NMDA receptor activation, leading to postsynaptic cytosolic calcium increase and protein kinase activation. On the other hand, LTD is often induced by repetitive low-frequency stimulation and involves NMDA receptor activation and protein phosphatases. Additionally, spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is discussed, highlighting the importance of precise timing in synaptic changes.