LEARNING AND SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY

Controversy surrounds several experiments that have addressed whether selective synaptic strengthening occurs during learning. To date, the evidence suggests that widespread alterations in synaptic strength, th rough either kindling or electroconvulsive shock, can disrupt this hyp othetical process. The lack of evidence for selective modification of learning through LTP stimulation, however, provides difficulties for b oth the prevailing hypothesis and the hypothesis advanced by Shors & M atzel. Subsequent experiments may indicate a role for LTP in both lear ning and arousal.