NMDAR-dependent LTP enhances neuronal differentiation and maturation of NPCs in the DG.

<p>(<i>A</i>) Schematic representation of the experimental design. (<i>B</i>) The induction of LTP increases the total number of GFP-labeled NPCs, and DCX and GFP double-labeled immature neurons differentiated from NPCs in the DG. Left: Representative images from coronal sections double-stained with antibodies against an immature neuronal marker DCX (red) and GFP (green) in the DG. Examples of double-stained immature neurons in boxed areas are shown in higher magnification in the panels on the right. Right: Bar graphs summarizing effects of LTP induction on the total number of GFP-positive cells (top panel), and DCX and GFP double-labeled cells (bottom panel) in the DG. *p<0.05 and **p<0.01; n = 8 or 9 in each group. (<i>C</i>) The induction of LTP increases the total number of GFP-labeled NPCs, and NeuN and GFP double-labeled differentiated mature neurons in the DG. Left: Representative images from coronal sections double-stained with antibodies against a mature neuronal marker NeuN (red) and GFP (green) in the DG. Examples of double-stained mature neurons in boxed areas are shown in higher magnification in the panels on the right. Right: Bar graphs summarizing effects of LTP induction on the total number of GFP-positive cells (top panel), and NeuN and GFP double-labeled cells (bottom panel) in the DG. *p<0.05 and **p<0.01; n = 8 or 9 in each group. Statistical analyses were performed with One Way ANOVA. <i>Post hoc</i> testing revealed a significant difference between the LTP group and other three groups. Data are mean ± SEM.