Pharmacological effects and behavioral interventions on memory consolidation and reconsolidation

Abstract

In this article, we will review some behavioral, pharmacological and neurochemical studies from our laboratory on mice, which might contribute to our understanding of the complex processes of memory consolidation and reconsolidation. We discuss the post-training (memory consolidation) and post-reactivation (memory reconsolidation) effects of icv infusions of hemicholinium, a central inhibitor of acetylcholine synthesis, of intraperitoneal administration of L-NAME, a non-specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, of intrahippocampal injections of an inhibitor of the transcription factor NF-κB, and the exposure of mice to a new learning situation on retention performance of an inhibitory avoidance response. All treatments impair long-term memory consolidation and retrieval-induced memory processes different from extinction, probably in accordance with the "reconsolidation hypothesis".

Neural correlates of expression-independent memories in the crab Neohelice

“…The muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist scopolamine has amnesic properties in both vertebrate and invertebrate, including crabs (Baratti, Boccia, and Blake, 2009; Beron de Astrada and Maldonado, 1999). However, we have recently shown that in Neohelice the amnesic effect of scopolamine is due to disruption of LTM expression rather than interference with mechanisms related with memory persistence (Caffaro et al, 2012).…”

Nitric Oxide: Exploring the Contextual Link with Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Such targets include but are not limited to calcium channel blockers, iNOS inhibitors, molecules that can clear amyloid peptides, NO bioavailability boosters, and antioxidants [78, 79]. …”

Dissociation between memory reactivation and its behavioral expression: Scopolamine interferes with memory expression without disrupting long-term storage

“…Scopolamine is a muscarinic receptor antagonist with amnesic properties that has been used for decades in animals to induce impairment in learning and memory processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates (Baratti, Boccia, & Blake, 2009;Beron de Astrada & Maldonado, 1999;Buccafusco, 2009;da Silva et al, 2009;Deiana, Harrington, Wischik, & Riedel, 2009;Quirarte et al, 1994;Roldan, Bolanos-Badillo, Gonzalez-Sanchez, Quirarte, & Prado-Alcala, 1997;Terazima & Yoshino, 2010;Weinberger, 2006). It has been consistently found that scopolamine administration results in acquisition impairments (Blake, Boccia, Krawczyk, & Baratti, 2011;Decker & McGaugh, 1989;Decker, Tran, & McGaugh, 1990;Hasselmo, 2006;Hasselmo & Sarter, 2011;Ohno & Watanabe, 1996;Ohno, Yamamoto, & Watanabe, 1994).…”