Cellular and molecular mechanisms of memory: the LTP connection

Studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of memory formation have f ocused on the role of long-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity such as lon g-term potentiation (LTP), A combination of genetic, electrophysiological a nd behavioral techniques have been used to examine the possibility that LTP is a cellular mechanism of memory storage in the mammalian brain. Although a definitive answer remains elusive, it is clear that in many cases manipu lations that alter LTP alter memory, and training regimens that produce mem ory can produce LTP like potentiation of synaptic transmission.