Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 8
S
YNAPTIC
P
LASTICITY IN THE
M
EDIAL
P
REFRONTAL
C
ORTEX
E.S. Louise Faber
Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
A
BSTRACT
Synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex is essential for shaping the
responsiveness of neuronal networks involved in executive and cognitive functions. This
chapter will review the current literature on synaptic plasticity in this brain region. It will
begin with an overview of the basic circuitry in the medial prefrontal cortex. It will then
describe the multiple forms of short-term plasticity exhibited by pyramidal neurons in the
medial prefrontal cortex. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying long-term
synaptic changes will next be described, including long-term potentiation, long-term
depression and spike timing-dependent plasticity, in addition to how these forms of long-
term synaptic changes are modulated by neuromodulators such as dopamine. Synaptic
plasticity at connections between the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex will
be examined, together with a discussion on the role of interactions between the medial
prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Finally I will explore the physiological function of
synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex, including the role it plays in working
memory, in determining rules to shape behavioural patterns, in consolidation of
memories, in neurological disorders, and in drug addiction.
A
BBREVIATIONS
2-AG - 2-acylglycerol
AM-251 - N-(Piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-
pyrazole-3-carboxamide
AMPA - α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-issoxazoleproprionic acid
