In rats, 250 Hz stimulation is less effective in inducing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and IEG expression than 400 Hz stimulation. (A,B) Immunostaining for p-ERK on the control (A) and stimulated (B) side 30 min after inducing LTP by 250-hz stimulation. Note minimal alteration in immunostaining on the stimulated side. (C,D) Immunostaining for c-fos on the control (C) and stimulated (D) side 30 min after inducing LTP by 250 Hz stimulation. Note the lack of induction of c-fos protein expression on the stimulated side except at the tip of the micropipette recording electrode, where c-fos expression is induced as a result of the local injury. (E,F) In situ hybridization for Arc mRNA on the control (E) and stimulated (F) side 30 min after inducing LTP by 250 Hz stimulation. Note the lack of induction of Arc mRNA on the stimulated side.