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[Selective disruption of memory consolidation in chicks produced by 5'-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine]
Abstract:
We tested the hypothesis that DNA synthesis is involved in molecular mechanisms of memory consolidation. Nucleotide analogs 5'-iodo- and 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine impair DNA functions being incorporated into elongated DNA chain and cause amnesia in a number of training models in mice. We studied possible amnestic effects of 5'-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU) in different training models in newborn chicks--in passive avoidance, taste aversion, imprinting and spatial learning in a maze. In the taste aversion model injection of IdU (10 mg/kg 5 min before or 50 min after training) produced amnesia at test 1-2 days after training, at the same time it had no effect on memory retention in test 6 h after training. IdU injection 2 h after training produced no amnesia. Similar amnestic effect in taste aversion model was found for 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). In models of imprinting, passive avoidance and spatial learning IdU injection before or after training had no effect on memory retention. These data presuppose that brain DNA synthesis might play a critical role in mechanisms of memory consolidation in taste aversion learning in chicks.
Insights
DNA synthesis is crucial for memory consolidation. Nucleotide analogs like 5'-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU) induced amnesia in chick taste aversion learning, suggesting DNA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Memory consolidation is a complex process.
- The role of DNA synthesis in memory is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of DNA synthesis in memory consolidation.
- To examine the amnestic effects of nucleotide analogs in various learning models in chicks.
Main Methods:
- Administered 5'-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IdU) and 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to newborn chicks.
- Tested memory retention in passive avoidance, taste aversion, imprinting, and spatial learning models.
- Assessed effects of IdU at different time points relative to training.
Main Results:
- IdU induced amnesia in the taste aversion model when administered 5 minutes before or 50 minutes after training, but not 2 hours after or at 6-hour retention tests.
- 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) also showed amnestic effects in the taste aversion model.
- IdU did not affect memory retention in imprinting, passive avoidance, or spatial learning models.
Conclusions:
- Brain DNA synthesis appears critical for memory consolidation in taste aversion learning in chicks.
- The timing of DNA synthesis inhibition is crucial for observing amnestic effects.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation.
