Behavioral time scale synaptic plasticity underlies CA1 place fields

A different form of synaptic plasticity How do synaptic or other neuronal changes support learning? This subject has been dominated by Hebb's postulate of synaptic change. Although there is strong experimental support for Hebbian plasticity in a number of preparations, alternative ideas have also been developed over the years. Bittner et al. provide in vivo, in vitro, and modeling data to support the view that non-Hebbian plasticity may underlie the formation of hippocampal place fields (see the Perspective by Krupic). Instead of multiple pairings, a single strong Ca 2+ plateau potential in neuronal dendrites paired with spatial inputs may be sufficient to produce place cells. Science , this issue p. 1033 ; see also p. 974