LONG-TERM DEPRESSION IN HIPPOCAMPUS

Long-term depression (LTD) is a lasting decrease in synaptic effective ness that follows some types of electrical stimulation in the hippocam pus. Two broad types of LTD may be distinguished. Heterosynaptic LTD c an occur at synapses that are inactive, normally during high-frequency stimulation of a converging synaptic input. Homosynaptic LTD can occu r at synapses that are activated, normally at low frequencies. Here we discuss the mechanisms of LTD and their possible relevance to hippoca mpal function.