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Evidence of Active-Forgetting Mechanisms? Blocking Arachidonic Acid Release May Slow Forgetting of Sensitization in

Robert J Calin-Jageman1, Bryan Gonzalez Delgadillo1, Elise Gamino1

  • 1Neuroscience Program, Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois 60305.

Eneuro
|March 27, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Forgetting of long-term sensitization in Aplysia may be an active process. Inhibiting arachidonic acid release with 4-bromophenacylbromide (4-BPB) slowed forgetting, suggesting a role for this pathway in memory consolidation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Cellular Neuroscience

Background:

  • Long-term sensitization in Aplysia involves increased Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFa) mRNA.
  • FMRFa modulates sensitization via the arachidonic acid pathway.
  • The role of FMRFa in the forgetting of sensitization is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test if FMRFa is critical for the forgetting of long-term sensitization in Aplysia.
  • To investigate the involvement of the arachidonic acid pathway in memory forgetting.

Main Methods:

  • Aplysia were trained for long-term sensitization.
  • Subjects received whole-body injections of vehicle, FMRFa, or 4-bromophenacylbromide (4-BPB).
  • Forgetting was measured 6 days after training.

Main Results:

  • FMRFa injections did not alter forgetting rates.
  • 4-BPB significantly decreased forgetting of sensitization.
  • The effect size for 4-BPB was uncertain, but suggested a decrease in forgetting.

Conclusions:

  • Forgetting of sensitization in Aplysia appears to be a regulated, active process.
  • Arachidonic acid may play a role in stabilizing the induction of sensitization.
  • FMRFa is not critical for the forgetting of sensitization.
Keywords:
forgettinglong-term memoryneuromodulationsecond messenger signaling

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