Exam 1 – question regarding neuroplasticity

[Kaitlyn Sevilla]

Hi! I have a question regarding question on exam 1 about neuroplasticity (see below).

Which of the following statements is true regarding neuroplasticity?

A. Long-term potentiation involves strengthening of neuronal connection, whereas long-term depression is the reduction of synaptic strength. Both processes are important for learning.

B. Long-term potentiation involves strengthening of neuronal connection, whereas long-term depression is the reduction of synaptic strength. In order for x learning to occur, long-term potentiation must be facilitated and long-term depression must be inhibited.

C. Long-term potentiation and depression involve the weakening of neuronal connections in order to make room for potential new connections to be formed.

D. Long-term potentiation suggests that some neurons have the potential to make changes while long-term depression is characteristic of weak neurons that do not have the potential for neuroplasticity.

Correct answer: A

The explanation was: “By definition, long-term potentiation involves strengthening of neuronal connection; whereas, long-term depression is the reduction of synaptic strength.”

This makes sense to me. I’m trying to figure out why long-term depression is important for learning if it is the

reduction of synaptic strength… wouldn’t we want to inhibit this?

Thanks!

Kaitlyn

[Julia Nameth]

From my understanding, long-term depression can be helpful as it can help reduce the synaptic strength of connections that are the result of maladaptive neuroplasticity. One example where long-term depression can be useful would be in patients with amputations who have phantom limb pain. PT can promote long-term depression of maladaptive pathways (causing the pain) via mirror therapy, which helps the body “relearn” normal sensations of the residual limb.

But to your point, long term depression can be negative too… I think “it depends” on the context (:

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

Great question, Kaitlyn, and spot on explanation, Julia! 🙂

This article is a little more in the weeds than necessary for the NCS and it focuses more on technology than rehab, but this except is nicely worded (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3118435/):
“LTP and LTD have another potentially important role in modern neuroscience, and that is the possibility that they may be exploited to treat disorder and disease in the human central nervous system (CNS). A variety of neurological conditions arise from lost or excessive synaptic drive due to sensory deprivation during childhood, brain damage or disease. Manipulation of synaptic strength using various developing technologies may provide a means of normalizing synaptic strength and thereby ameliorating plasticity-related disorders of the CNS.”

[Kaitlyn Sevilla]

Ahh thank you both so much! Makes sense 🙂

[Author]

Posts