title: Specificity of molecular changes in neurons involved in memory storage.
abstract: Evidence implicating molecular steps in memory storage is discussed, particularly with reference to molecular specificity and uniqueness and the possible relevance of these steps to other types of long-lasting transformations such as those of development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. The role of protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of identified protein subtrates, such as a 20,000-dalton GTP-binding protein, is described for associative memory of the snail Hermissenda, associative conditioning of the rabbit, and long-term potentiation. Cyclic AMP-mediated phosphorylation during sensitization of the snail Aplysia is also examined.
authors.affiliation: Section on Neural Systems, National Institutes of Health, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Alkon
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000502:physiology*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits; D012908:Snails / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015221:Potassium Channels; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D011493:Protein Kinase C; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins; D002118:Calcium