Chapter 9 - Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity

Abstract

Spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is a form of long-term synaptic potentiation and depression in which the sign and magnitude of plasticity are determined by the precise temporal order and interval between presynaptic and postsynaptic action potentials. STDP has been observed broadly throughout the brain. In its most common form, STDP implements Hebbian synaptic plasticity, but anti-Hebbian and other forms of STDP also exist. STDP has attracted tremendous interest as a physiologically realistic learning rule for synaptic plasticity in vivo . This chapter reviews the functional properties and cellular mechanisms for STDP and evaluates the current evidence for its role in neural circuit development and adult plasticity.