Cognition & plasticity
As detailed in Thompson et al. (1996) and Moyer et al. (1996) [see items 15. and 16., at http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres/neuro_pubs.html], learning induces post-synaptic excitability changes in the hippocampus. Numerous studies have replicated these effects, indicating that a conserved mechanism--modulation of K+ conductances--is utilized to mediate learning related plasticity across a broad range of species, from Drosophila and Aplysia to mammals. As shown here, these changes are transient, lasting only long enough to support memory consolidation, then return to a basal state.