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Modulation of memory processing by glutamic acid receptor agonists and antagonists.
J F Flood1, M L Baker, J L Davis
1Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63106.
Brain Research
|June 25, 1990
Summary
Glutamate receptors play a key role in memory. NMDA and non-NMDA receptor agonists improved memory retention, while antagonists impaired it in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glutamate receptors are hypothesized to be critical for hippocampal long-term potentiation and memory.
- Pharmacological tools now allow for the investigation of specific glutamate receptor subtypes in memory processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the in vivo effects of various glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists on memory processing.
- To determine the role of N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors in memory retention.
Main Methods:
- Mice were trained on a shock avoidance learning task.
- Intracerebroventricular injections of glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists were administered post-training.
- Memory retention was assessed one week after training.
Main Results:
- NMDA receptor agonists enhanced memory retention in a dose-dependent manner.
- Non-NMDA agonists (kainic acid, quisqualic acid) and L-glutamic acid also dose-dependently enhanced retention.
- Both NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists impaired memory retention.
- Antagonist administration 24 hours post-training did not affect memory retention.
Conclusions:
- Glutamate receptors, including NMDA and non-NMDA types, are crucial for memory formation and retention.
- The timing of receptor involvement suggests a critical window for memory consolidation.