[Dynamic aspects of RNA metabolism in the brain of mollusca during electrical effects]

The dynamics of RNA and protein metabolism (as indicated by the incorporation of labeled precursors) during electrophysiological 'learning" and electrical stimulation of isolated ganglia of the snails Tritonia diomedia and Helix pomatia has been investigated. 'Learning" phenomenon manifested itself in the maintenance of synchronous discharges in the electrical activity of the neurons after cessation of the stimulus. At all the electrical stimulations, fast periodic processes of accumulation-degradation of RNA and protein were observed. Radioautographic studies indicate that these processes begin at first in the glia and then in the neurons. The pattern of incorporation of the precursor into the protein is similar to that into RNA, indicating that short-living RNA is involved into the synthesis of short-living proteins. Aurantin (a mixture of actinomycines) inhibits glial synthesis of RNA to a greater extent than neuronal one,-both at rest and electrical stimulation. On the other side, aurantin hinders or even completely blocks "learning" phenomenon. It is suggested that normal RNA metabolism is necessary for the formation of trace phenomena. No essential differences in the metabolism of RNA, protein and nucleotides were found during "learning" and stimulation.