L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels mediate expression of presynaptic LTP in amygdala

The molecular mechanisms underlying the expression of postsynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at glutamatergic synapses are well understood. However, little is known about those that mediate the expression of presynaptic LTP. We found that presynaptic LTP at cortical inputs to the mouse lateral amygdala was blocked and reversed by L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (L-VDCC) blockers. Thus, a persistent increase in L-VDCC-mediated glutamate release underlies the expression of presynaptic LTP in the amygdala.