How LTP occurs
1) Upon stimulation, pre synaptic neurons release glutimate
2) Post synaptic neurons have AMPA and NAMDA receptors. Glu can bind to AMPA receptors & cause them to open up & allow Na+ to enter. NAMDA are blocked with Mg2+, hence they cannot allow Na+ in yet
3) Once enough Na+ enters thru AMPA, depolarisation occurs, hence Mg2+ dissociates from NAMDA receptors, now they are free to allow Na+ to enter and more importantly Ca2+
4) Ca2+ can only enter thru the NAMDA receptors , when it enters, it binds to a protein called calmodulin and changes its conformational shape. This then activates CAMKII and PKC
5) CAMKII binds to AMPA and make them hyperactive, allowing more Na+ in. And PKC increases the density of AMPA & NAMDA receptors in the post synaptic membrane =more sites for glu to bind to