Glutamatergic influences on the nucleus paragigantocellularis: Contribution to performance in avoidance and spatial memory tasks

Citation
Ec. Clayton et Cl. Williams, Glutamatergic influences on the nucleus paragigantocellularis: Contribution to performance in avoidance and spatial memory tasks, BEHAV NEURO, 114(4), 2000, pp. 707-712
Citations number
53
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
ISSN journal
0735-7044 → ACNP
Volume
114
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
707 - 712
Database
ISI
SICI code
0735-7044(200008)114:4<707:GIOTNP>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
Stimulation of the locus coeruleus (LC) and the subsequent release of norep inephrine contribute to memory consolidation processes. Excitatory input to the LC is derived primarily from neurons in the nucleus paragigantocellula ris (PGI). The authors examined the effects of activating the pathway betwe en PGi and the LC on memory. Rats received Vehicle or the excitatory amino acid glutamate (25, 50, or 100 nmol/0.5 mu l) into PGi after training in an inhibitory avoidance (IA) or delayed matching-to-sample (DMS) task. Rats g iven the 100-nmol dose had significantly longer retention latencies on a 48 -hr LA retention test. Rats treated with the 50- or 100-nmol dose made sign ificantly more correct responses than controls on an 18-hr DMS retention te st. Results suggest that encoding and storage of memory for emotional and s patial events may be enhanced by activation of neuronal circuits afferent t o the LC.