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Reduced Nuclear Factor kappa B activation in dentate gyrus after active avoidance training
Dionne O L Vernon1, Svitvana Garbuzova-Davis, Tammy Desjarlais
1University of South Florida College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 9 Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Brain Research
|July 4, 2006
Summary
Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity decreases in the dentate gyrus during active avoidance learning. This reduction, linked to increased p50 subunit expression, is crucial for memory formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Learning and Memory
Background:
- Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor implicated in neuroplasticity, neuronal survival, and learning.
- Previous studies show NF-kappaB p50 subunit deficiency impairs active avoidance learning in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in NF-kappaB activity in brain regions associated with learning and memory after active avoidance training.
- To elucidate the role of NF-kappaB and its p50 subunit in the early stages of memory consolidation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized kappaB-dependent lacZ transgenic mice for detecting NF-kappaB activity.
- Employed immunohistochemistry to quantify NF-kappaB activity and p50-containing neurons in specific brain regions.
- Compared trained mice with untrained controls.
Main Results:
- NF-kappaB activity significantly decreased in the dentate gyrus of trained mice compared to untrained controls.
- A significant increase in the number of p50-containing neurons was observed in the dentate gyrus of trained mice.
- No significant changes in NF-kappaB activity were detected in other brain regions examined.
Conclusions:
- Increased p50 expression in the dentate gyrus down-regulates NF-kappaB activity following exposure to an unconditioned stimulus.
- Reduced NF-kappaB activation and target gene expression appear essential for the initial phases of learning and memory consolidation during active avoidance training.
