Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2001):

New life in an old idea: the synaptic plasticity and memory hypothesis revisited.

Full Abstract

The notion that changes in synaptic efficacy underlie learning and memory processes is now widely accepted, although definitive proof of the synaptic plasticity and memory hypothesis is still lacking. This article reviews recent evidence relevant to the hypothesis, with particular emphasis on studies of experience-dependent plasticity in the neocortex and hippocampus. In our view, there is now compelling evidence that changes in synaptic strength occur as a consequence of certain forms of learning. A major challenge will be to determine whether such changes constitute the memory trace itself or play a less specific supporting role in the information processing that accompanies memory formation.

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Author information

Author/s: Martin, S J (SJ); Morris, R G M (RG);

Affiliation: stephen.martin(-atsign-)ed.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Hippocampus (Hippocampus), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 12 (issue 5) : pp 609-36

Dates: Created 2002/11/20; Completed 2003/01/21; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12440577, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Hippocampus - physiology Humans Learning - physiology Long-Term Potentiation - physiology

Memory - physiology Models, Neurological Neuronal Plasticity - physiology Neurons - physiology Synapses - physiology

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