Advanced
Technical
IVT
Long-Term Potentiation
A persistent strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns of activity.
Full Definition
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) is a persistent increase in synaptic strength following high-frequency stimulation of a chemical synapse. This process is widely considered one of the major cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation. LTP involves changes in both presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor sensitivity, and can last from minutes to months depending on the specific mechanisms involved.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize each word; commonly abbreviated as LTP in technical contexts.
In Context
- "The hippocampal slices showed robust Long-Term Potentiation following theta-burst stimulation." — electrophysiology study
- "Impaired Long-Term Potentiation may contribute to memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease." — research hypothesis
Also known as
LTP
Contrasted with
Long-Term Depression
LTD
Don't confuse with
Long-Term Depression