Long-term depression (LTD) is a process in which synaptic strength decreases following a specific pattern of activity, resulting in a long-lasting reduction in the efficacy of synaptic transmission. This phenomenon plays a critical role in the fine-tuning of neural circuits and is essential for processes like learning and memory, as it helps to eliminate redundant or less useful synaptic connections, thereby enhancing overall brain efficiency. In addiction and reward pathways, LTD contributes to the neural adaptations that occur with repeated exposure to drugs, leading to changes in behavior and motivation.
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