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A flavonol present in cocoa [(-)epicatechin] enhances snail memory
Lee Fruson1, Sarah Dalesman, Ken Lukowiak
1Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|September 28, 2012
Summary
(-)Epicatechin, a flavonoid, enhances long-term memory (LTM) formation and persistence in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. This study establishes the snail as a model for investigating flavonoid-induced cognitive enhancement mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Flavonoids, plant phytochemicals, may enhance memory and neuro-cognitive performance.
- The precise mechanisms underlying flavonoid-induced cognitive benefits remain largely unknown.
- Previous research focused on vertebrates; invertebrate models offer novel avenues for mechanistic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, as an invertebrate model for studying flavonoid effects on cognition.
- To investigate the impact of (-)epicatechin (epi), a dietary flavonoid, on memory formation and persistence in L. stagnalis.
- To explore the neural pathways involved in epi-mediated memory enhancement.
Main Methods:
- Operant conditioning of aerial respiratory behavior in L. stagnalis.
- Exposure to (-)epicatechin (15 mg l(-1)) during training and memory recall.
- Assessment of locomotion, aerial respiration, long-term memory (LTM) formation, and memory extinction.
- Investigation of the role of osphradial input and serotonergic (5-HT) pathways.
Main Results:
- (-)Epicatechin exposure did not affect basic behaviors like locomotion or aerial respiration.
- Training in (-)epicatechin significantly enhanced LTM formation, with memory lasting over 24 hours.
- Snails exposed to (-)epicatechin exhibited increased resistance to memory extinction, indicating more persistent LTM.
- The memory-enhancing effects of (-)epicatechin were independent of osphradial input and 5-HT signaling.
Conclusions:
- Lymnaea stagnalis is a suitable invertebrate model for elucidating the neuronal mechanisms of flavonoid-induced cognitive enhancement.
- (-)Epicatechin facilitates LTM formation and results in stronger, more persistent memories.
- An alternative neural pathway, distinct from osphradial input and 5-HT, mediates the cognitive effects of (-)epicatechin.
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