The essential role of hippocampal CA1 NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity in spatial memory

Joe Z. Tsien, Patricio T. Huerta, Susumu Tonegawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1484 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have produced a mouse strain in which the deletion of the NMDAR1 gene is restricted to the CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus by using a new and general method that allows CA1-restricted gene knockout. The mutant mice grow into adulthood without obvious abnormalities. Adult mice lack NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents and long-term potentiation in the CA1 synapses and exhibit impaired spatial memory but unimpaired nonspatial learning. Our results strongly suggest that activity-dependent modifications of CA1 synapses, mediated by NMDA receptors, play an essential role in the acquisition of spatial memories.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1327-1338
Number of pages12
JournalCell
Volume87
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 27 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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