Contrasting roles for beta1, beta2 and beta3-adrenoceptors in memory formation in the chick

Noradrenaline plays distinct roles in the modulation and consolidation of memory for one-trial, discriminated, avoidance learning in the chick. We have previously shown that activation of beta2-, beta3- and alpha1-adrenoceptors (ARs) by injection into the multimodal forebrain association region (intermediate medial hyperstriatum ventrale [IMHV] or intermediate medial mesopallium [IMM]) is involved in the consolidation of memory 30 min after training and that activation of alpha2-ARs in the caudate putamen plays a role in the reinforcement of memory leading to consolidation in the IMM (IMHV). In this paper we provide evidence that noradrenaline acts at beta1-ARs in the basal ganglia (lobus parolfactorius or medial striatum) in short-term memory processing immediately post-training and demonstrate inhibition of memory by selective AR antagonists at particular times in the sequential memory processing sequence after training. These results support separate roles for beta2- and beta3-ARs in memory consolidation. Our studies suggest that, as a consequence of the learning experience, noradrenaline acts in different brain regions and at different times in memory processing, to enhance memory through distinct populations of ARs.