Final answer:
Glial cell activation plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Astrocytes and microglia modulate synapses and are active in brain regions like the hippocampus, involved in learning and storing memories. This debunks the notion that glial cell involvement in memory is flawed or restricted to sensory cortices.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing glial cell activation of newly formed patterned connections, it is important to note that glial cells, particularly astrocytes and microglia, play significant roles in the maintenance and modulation of synaptic plasticity and memory formation. These glial cells engage in an intricate form of communication with neurons, utilizing gliotransmitters like glutamate, ATP, and D-serine, which can modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes are involved in stimulating the formation of new synapses and modulating the activity of neurons, while microglia are involved in pruning synapses to refine neuronal circuitry, which is important for plasticity and proper function of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus. Both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are examples of synaptic plasticity that occur in the hippocampus and are critical mechanisms for learning and memory.
Contrary to the statement that glial cell activation is flawed because it is only found in sensory cortices and not the hippocampus, recent research has shown that glial cells are actively involved in memory formation processes throughout the brain, including the hippocampus. This understanding underscores the importance of glial cells in creating and sustaining the synaptic changes necessary for memory storage and learning.
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