[Formation of transcription factors AP-1 during learning in Helix]

An increase in the DNA-binding activity for the AP-1-family factors was shown to occur after food aversion conditioning. Learning experiments in vitro enhanced the DNA-binding activity. Effects of simultaneous action of serotonine and calcium on activation of transcriptional AP-1 factors was suppressed by inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein-kinases KN62 as well as by inhibitor of MAP-kinases PD98059. The co-operative induction of transcriptional AP-1 family factors activation by serotonine-induced and calcium-dependent regulatory systems may be one of the mechanisms of aversive conditioning in the CNS of the land snail.