1. Lecture 24 Learning and Memory II

2. Memories Long term memory stored in cortex Information is processed for memory storage in other brain regions (i.e hippocampus)

3. Long-term Potentiation Timothy Bliss and Terje Lomo (1973) Facilitation of synaptic transmission following high-frequency electrical stimulation applied to presynaptic neurons

4. Evidence for LTP and learning and memory LTP can last for a long time LTP is dependent on presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons firing LTP can be elicited by stimulation that mimics neural activity LTP is demonstrated in hippocampus and other areas that have been implicated in learning and memory Behavioral conditioning can produce LTP-like changes (aplysia experiments)

5. Evidence for LTP and learning and memory Drugs that influence learning, influence LTP Maximal LTP blocks learning, normal LTP promotes learning and memory Mutant mice that display no LTP don’t learn well LTP occurs at synapses that have been shown to be involved in learning and memory

6. Protein kinases involved in LTP Protein kinase A (PKA) Protein kinase C (PKC) Calcium-calmodulin kinase (CaM Kinase or CaMK) Tyrosine kinase (TK)

7. Stages of memories Iconic Short-term Intermediate term Long term

8. Hypotheses for memory decline Disease (Alzheimer’s) Loss of neurons and/or neural connections Impairment of the cholinergic system Impaired coding by place cells

9. Preventing memory decline…? Lower glucocorticoids Infusion of NGF into the brain…? Live an enriched lifestyle