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Orexin-1 receptor blockade differentially affects spatial and visual discrimination memory facilitation by
Soleil García-Brito1, Laura Aldavert-Vera1, Gemma Huguet2
1Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Departament de Psicobiologia i de Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|February 17, 2020
Summary
Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) enhances memory, but the orexinergic system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of the medial forebrain bundle effectively enhances memory function.
- ICSS has shown potential in recovering memory deficits caused by aging or lesions.
- The role of the orexinergic system in ICSS-mediated memory facilitation remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of the OX1 receptor (OX1R) in ICSS-driven memory enhancement.
- To examine the effects of OX1R blockade on spatial and visual discrimination memory tasks.
- To assess the interaction between ICSS and OX1R in memory performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Morris Water Maze to test spatial and visual discrimination memory.
- Administered SB-334867 intraventricularly to block OX1R.
- Compared memory performance under conditions of ICSS, OX1R blockade, and combined treatments.
Main Results:
- OX1R blockade partially reduced ICSS facilitation of spatial memory.
- OX1R blockade significantly impaired ICSS facilitation of visual discrimination memory.
- ICSS could overcome severe memory impairments induced by OX1R blockade.
Conclusions:
- The orexinergic system, specifically OX1R, plays a role in ICSS-mediated memory facilitation.
- The degree of orexinergic system involvement varies depending on the memory task.
- ICSS demonstrates a robust capacity to enhance memory, even under pharmacological blockade.
