A role of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the induction of long-term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 area.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus is considered to be a synaptic model for learning and memory. The induction of LTP is initiated by activation of the NMDA glutamate receptor in the postsynaptic membrane and a subsequent increase in Ca2+ -influx into the neurons following glutamate release. The action of Ca2+ has been proposed to be mediated by Ca2+ -dependent protein kinases. Recent studies indicate that, among the protein kinases, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is implicated in the induction of LTP in the hippocampus.