Prefrontal cortex function, quasi-physiological stimuli, and synaptic plasticity

Journal of Physiology, Paris
Satoru Otani

Abstract

The prelimbic area of rat medial frontal cortex may be functionally analogous to human/primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This area may be involved in selective attention to the external stimuli and the coupling of the attention to a repertory of actions. It was suggested that this function may rely on a form of long-term memory [Biol. Rev. 77 (2002) 563]. Indeed, during learning of this type of behavior, a portion of prelimbic neurons persistently change their firing characteristics [Prog. Brain Res. 126 (2000) 287]. It is therefore important to study long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) in rat prelimbic neurons. In this article, the author first briefly reviews recent findings on the prefrontal cortex function and discusses that the prefrontal cortex may be involved in long-term memory. Second, the author will show some new results which indicate that quasi-physiological patterns of stimuli mimicking prelimbic neuronal activity during behavior can induce LTP in prelimbic pyramidal neuron synapses. These results suggest that prelimbic neuronal activity during behavior may lastingly modify prelimbic synaptic efficacy.

References

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Mar 22, 2002·European Journal of Pharmacology·Olivier BlondSatoru Otani
Dec 12, 2002·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Satoru Otani

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Citations

Jun 1, 2011·PLoS Computational Biology·Louis-Emmanuel MartinetAngelo Arleo
Aug 13, 2013·PloS One·Marta Portero-TresserraAnna Vale-Martínez
Oct 25, 2012·Neuropharmacology·Christine Solinsky, Brian P Kirby
Jun 20, 2008·Reviews in the Neurosciences·Min Whan JungJeansok John Kim
May 10, 2018·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Bahar SalavatiTarek K Rajji

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