The dentate-CA3 regions as reciprocally connected networks that produce sequence recall (phase precession): CA3 is the autoassociative network while heteroassociation (links between sequential memories) occur in backprojecting synapses in the dentate. Another function of dentate is to establish a representation that combines information about self (from the medial entorhinal region) with information about non-self (from the lateral entorhinal cortex).
The hippocampal-VTA loop: novelty detection in the hippocampus activates the dopamine system, thereby activating late LTP and gating the flow of information into long-term memory.
Theta/gamma nested oscillations form a neural code:: an item is represented by firing within a gamma cycle; different items are represented in order at different discrete phases of a theta cycle. This code is used for memory recall in the hippocampus. It may also be used in cortex and explain the basis of the 7+-2 capacity limit on short-term memory (there are ~7 gamma cycles in a theta cycle).
Role of NMDA-mediated EPSP's: the voltage-dependence of such EPSP's can give rise to bistable signals that provide critical mechanisms for working memory and integrator networks.
Different roles of different Ca2+ levels in synaptic plasticity: high Ca triggers LTP (via kinase reactions); moderate Ca triggers LTD / depotentiation (via phosphatases).
Memory storage by CaMKII: CaMKII as molecular switch with the stability, reversibility and structural involvement necessary to store synaptic memory.
The quantal response: Monte-Carlo simulations show that the quantal response at synapses is generated by AMPA channels in a "hotspot" of 200 mm diameter, a result that has important implications for transmission and LTP.
The equivalent light hypothesis for retinal degeneration: Many mutations that underlie the disease produce a common physiological change: the persistent activation of the transduction cascade. This, like constant real light, triggers photoreceptor degeneration.
