Mechanisms Underlying the Rules for Associative Plasticity at Adult Human Neocortical Synapses

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3158-13.2013
• Publication Date: 2013-10-23T17:37:01Z
• Authors: Matthijs B. Verhoog; Natalia A. Goriou...; Joshua Obermayer; Jasper Stroeder; J. J. Johannes Hj...; Guilherme Testa-S...; Johannes C. Baayen; Christiaan P. J. ...; Rhiannon M. Meredith; Huibert D. Mansve...
• Keywords: Neocortex; Human brain; Nonsynaptic plasticity

The neocortex in our brain stores long-term memories by changing the strength of connections between neurons. To date, rules and mechanisms that govern activity-induced synaptic changes at human cortical synapses are poorly understood have not been studied directly a cellular level. Here, we made whole-cell recordings pyramidal neurons slices tissue resected during neurosurgery to investigate spike timing-dependent plasticity adult neocortex. We find can undergo bidirectional modifications throughout adulthood. Both potentiation depression was dependent on postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Interestingly, associate presynaptic events wide temporal window, for reversed compared with what is generally found rodent brain. show this caused dendritic L-type voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels prominently activated action potential firing. Activation these determines whether strengthen or weaken. These findings provide basis timing observed sensory motor vivo , offer insights into physiological role