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Nucleus basalis lesions: implication of basoamygdaloid cholinergic pathways in memory
P E Mallet1, R J Beninger, S N Flesher
1Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.
Brain Research Bulletin
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Lesions in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) impacting amygdala choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) impaired working memory. This suggests NBM
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous studies found no link between cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and memory deficits after nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) lesions.
- A recent hypothesis suggests differential excitotoxin effects on amygdaloid and cortical ChAT explain these findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mnemonic effects of excitotoxins targeting amygdala and cortical ChAT.
- To assess the role of NBM amygdalopetal cholinergic pathways in memory.
Main Methods:
- Unilateral intra-NBM infusions of phthalic acid or quisqualic acid in rats.
- Working and reference memory assessed using a double Y-maze task.
- ChAT activity measured in amygdala and cortex.
Main Results:
- Phthalic acid lesions impaired working memory but not reference memory.
- Quisqualic acid lesions had no significant effect on memory.
- Phthalic acid reduced amygdaloid ChAT; quisqualic acid reduced cortical ChAT.
Conclusions:
- NBM projections to the amygdala are crucial for working memory.
- Differential effects of excitotoxins on ChAT activity explain prior inconsistent results.
- NBM amygdalopetal cholinergic pathways are implicated in mnemonic functions.