Perforant path → dentate gyrus LTP simulator

molecular layer · extracellular / voltage-clamp teaching model

Readout

Both windows track the same underlying change in synaptic strength; this switches units and the sample trace shape only.

Induction protocol

Postsynaptic holding potential during induction

−20 mV

−70 mV (rest)0 mV

Sets granule-cell depolarization directly, decoupled from the presynaptic pattern above, so you can probe NMDAR coincidence detection on its own — before feedforward inhibition is subtracted from it.

Block NMDARs (D-APV) Block AMPA/kainate receptors (CNQX)

Feedforward inhibition (GABA_A)

Feedforward GABA_A strength

65%

0% (disinhibited)100% (max shunt)

Perforant-path pulses drive feedforward interneurons disynaptically, shunting granule-cell depolarization before it can relieve the NMDAR Mg²⁺ block. This is why LTP here is harder to obtain than at Schaffer collateral→CA1.

Block GABA_A receptors (picrotoxin / bicuculline)

Run

NMDAR coincidence detection vs. feedforward shunt

Mg²⁺ block relieved—

GABA_A shunt (train 1)—

NMDAR Ca²⁺ influx (last induction)—

Time course — % baseline response

t = simulated recording time (min) fEPSP slope, mV/ms

Sample trace

baseline current stimulus

inward current

Session status

Protocol run

none yet

APV present

GABA_A strength

65% (intact)

Holding potential

−20 mV

Current response

100 %

Run a baseline, choose a protocol, then induce LTP.