Hypothesis on Remote Memory Forming from Heterosynaptic LTD-Mediated Neuronal Degeneration

Abstract

In this article, it is hypothesized a new mechanism for the formation of stable remote memory in brain comprising the important memory acquired during childhood and the common words in language. It has been demonstrated that the memory forms concurrently at both homosynaptic long term potentiation (LTP) and heterosynaptic long term depression (LTD). It is pointed out that the repeated LTD may result in neuronal degeneration as evidenced at molecular and cellular level, becoming long lasting throughout the lifespan. Besides, it is further supported by the consequent storage of remote memory directly on the information pathway, as evidenced by the degenerative ocular dominance plasticity and the storage of common words/grammar within the linguistic areas of brain. Accordingly, it is herein completed the hypothesis on the formation of remote memory from the heterosynaptic LTD-mediated neuronal degeneration in brain so long as the homosynaptic pathway does not degenerate from such causes as aging and so on, while supplementing a new form of neuronal plasticity for memory in addition to the contemporary LTP and LTD.