Long-Term Potentiation (LTP): How We Remember Things

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the mechanism by which neurons increase synaptic strength. LTP is associated with learning, since synaptic connections underlie memory. This process uses glutamate as a neuromodulator to increase the number of glutamate receptors of subtype AMPA to amplify postsynaptic glutamate sensitivity, thereby increasing synaptic strength and facilitating learning.

The steps of LTP are as follows. First, the NMDA receptors on the postsynaptic neuron are blocked by a Mg2+ ion, so glutamate binds the neighboring AMPA receptors. AMPA receptor activation allows cation entry (depolarization) of the postsynaptic neuron. This triggers release of the NMDA Mg2+, allowing for further cation entry through the NMDA receptor and intensifying depolarization. The Ca2+ influx resulting from NMDA opening triggers a signal transduction pathway to insert more AMPA receptors into the neuronal membrane, thus increasing sensitivity of the postsynaptic neuron to glutamate.

Here is a resource that helped me:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mHgPfXHzJE - a 2-minute explanation of LTPs.