AKAP79/150 is targeted to spines through binding F-actin and the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ). Previous electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC)-catalyzed hydrolysis of PIP 2 inhibits NMDAR-dependent LTD; however, the signaling mechanisms that link PLC activation to alterations in dendritic spine structure and AMPAR function in LTD are unknown. We show here that NMDAR stimulation of PLC in cultured hippocampal neurons is necessary for AKAP79/150 loss from spines and depolymerization of spine actin. Importantly, we demonstrate that NMDAR activation of PLC is also necessary for decreases in spine PSD95 levels and AMPAR internalization. Thus, PLC signaling is required for structural and functional changes in spine actin, PSD scaffolding, and AMPAR trafficking underlying postsynaptic expression of LTD.