Long-term depression of Aplysia sensorimotor synapses in cell culture: inductive role of a rise in postsynaptic calcium

Abstract

1. Activation of sensory neurons at 2 Hz for 15 min induces long-term depression (LTD) of isolated Aplysia sensorimotor synapses in cell culture. 2. Prior infusion of the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) into the postsynaptic motor neuron blocks the induction of LTD, but not short-term synaptic depression. 3. Invertebrate central synapses possess the capacity for LTD. This form of long-term synaptic plasticity may play an important role in learning in Aplysia.