The visual cortex provides a crucial sensory input to

the hippocampus, and is a key component for the creation of spatial memories. An understanding of how visual cortical neurons respond with synaptic plasticity to visual experience, and whether these responses influence the induction of hippocampal plasticity, is fundamental to our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms and functional consequences of visuospatial information processing. In this review. we summarize recent findings with regard to the expression of dynamic synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex and how this plasticity may influence information processing in the hippocampus. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(6):584-597, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408315655″
“The formation of memories relies in part on plastic changes at synapses between neuronsa Although the mechanisms of synaptic selleck inhibitor plasticity have been studied extensively over several decades, many aspects of this process remain controversial. The cellular locus of expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) a major form of synaptic plasticity, is one of the most find more important unresolved phenomena. In this article,

some recent advances in this area made possible by the development of new imaging tools are summarized. These studies have demonstrated that LTP is compound in nature and consists of both presynaptic and postsynaptic components. Some features of presynaptic and postsynaptic changes during compound LTP are also reviewed.

NEUROSCIENTIST 14(6):598-608, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408320643″
“Many aspects of synaptic development, plasticity, and neurotransmission are critically influenced by NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Moreover, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in a broad array of neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, stroke, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. Classically, NMDARs were thought to be exclusively postsynaptic. However, substantial evidence in the past 10 years demonstrates that NMDARs also exist presynaptically and that presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) modulate synapse Idelalisib molecular weight function and have critical roles in plasticity at many synapses. Here the authors review current knowledge of the role of preNMDARs in synaptic transmission and plasticity, focusing on the neocortex. They discuss the prevalence, function, and development of these receptors, and their potential modification by experience and in brain pathology. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(6): 609-625, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408322675″
“It is well established that brain ischemia can cause neuronal death via different signaling cascades. The relative importance and interrelationships between these pathways, however, remain poorly understood. Here is presented an overview of studies using oxygen-glucose deprivation of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in ischemia.