Effects of long-term potentiation in the human visual cortex: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Neuroreport. 2005 Dec 19;16(18):1977-80. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200512190-00001.

Abstract

Applying functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques, hemodynamic responses elicited by slowly flashing checkerboards (0.25 Hz) were measured both before and after a block of rapidly presented checkerboards (9 Hz -- a 'photic tetanus') was delivered. It has been shown previously, using electroencephalography, that this photic tetanus potentiates components of the visual-evoked potential. In the present study, hemodynamic responses in the extrastriate visual cortex were significantly increased to checkerboards presented at a low frequency after the administration of the photic tetanus. These results support the idea that long-term potentiation can be demonstrated non-invasively within the human visual cortex and provide evidence that the plastic changes are localized within the secondary visual cortex.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping*
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*