Receptor blockade reveals a correspondence between hippocampal-dependent behavior and experience-dependent synaptic enhancement.
This study examined the involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in experience-dependent synaptic plasticity. Rats chronically received an NMDA receptor antagonist (AP5) or saline (SAL) and were exposed to individual cages (IC) or environmental enrichment (EC). AP5 impaired measures of hippocampal-dependent behavior and increased locomotor activity. Perforant path synaptic strength, measured in the in vitro hippocampal slice, was increased and long-term potentiation (LTP) was decreased for EC+SAL animals. The experience-dependent effects on synaptic function were inhibited by drug treatment. Measures of synaptic strength were correlated with hippocampal-dependent behavior and synaptic plasticity for EC animals. The results suggest a relationship between hippocampal-dependent behavior and experience-dependent modification of perforant path synaptic function through NMDAR activation.
Foster
T C
TC
University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, 40536, Lexington, KY, USA. tfoster@pop.uky.edu
Fugger
H N
HN
Cunningham
S G
SG
D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D019580:Perforant Pathway / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000502:physiology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D012934:Social Isolation; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate