LTP mechanisms: from silence to four-lane traffic

Brief periods of strong neuronal activity induce long-lasting changes in sy naptic function. This synaptic plasticity is thought to play important role s in learning and memory. One example - long-term potentation in the CA1 re gion of the hippocampus - has been studied extensively, and conflicting vie ws regarding the underlying mechanisms have emerged. Recent findings, regar ding basic properties of synaptic transmission, appear to reconcile these d iverging views.