The involvement of potassium ion channels in memory

Abstract

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), an increase in the efficacy of synaptic transmission, has been considered a powerful candidate for the physiological basis of memory. Although hippocampal LTP has been induced by high frequency electrical stimulation of the presynaptic fiber in most studies, it has been reported that pharmacological blockade of potassium ion channels also induces synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, several studies have recently used a newly developed selective blocker and opener to demonstrate that potassium ion channels play an important role in memory and learning. This article reviews studies that have shown the possible involvement of potassium ion channels in memory function and hippocampal synaptic plasticity.