Figure 4.

Schematic representation of our STP-LTP model. Rest, patches of presynaptic and postsynaptic membrane in a nonpotentiated state. HFS, presynaptic LTP-inducing pulses arrive that cause NMDA receptor/channel activation and Ca²⁺ influx, which, in turn, trigger the receptor attraction mechanism. STP, as a result, AMPA receptors are attracted toward the activated NMDA receptor/channel, which is aligned previously with the presynaptic release zone. LTP, depending on the effectiveness of the anchoring mechanism, all or part AMPA receptors will diffuse again. An electrophysiological observer then will interpret it as only STP or STP plus LTP correspondingly. Note that due to diffusion, AMPA receptors used to be farther located may enter this domain and can be used for further potentiation of synaptic strength.