Effects of experiences on synaptic protein phosphorylation in vitro

In vitro transfer of 32P from [gamma-32P]-ATP into proteins of particulate fractions from osmotically shocked preparations enriched in rat brain synaptosomes was studied. Phosphate incorporation into protein bands of apparent molecular weights (MW) 44,000, 24,000, 21,000, and 19,000 was affected by the prior experiences of the rats from which the particulate fractions were prepared. Incorporation into all four proteins was increased in particulate fraction from previously naive rats that received active avoidance training. Handling of the subjects prior to training prevented the response of the 24,000 MW protein to training. Phosphate incorporation into 24,000 and 19,000 MW proteins was increased in preparations from previously naive rats that underwent a yoked experience, while incorporation into the 21,000 MW protein was slightly decreased. The yoked experience did not affect in vitro phosphate incorporation into any of these proteins in particulate fractions from previously handled rats.