The role of telencephalic NMDA receptors in avoidance learning in goldfish (Carassius auratus).
Studies with goldfish (Carassius auratus) have suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are concentrated most densely in the telencephalon, a simple structure homologous to the limbic structure of higher vertebrates. The present study investigated the amnestic effects of microinjections of the NMDA receptor antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5) to the goldfish telencephalon on avoidance conditioning. Results showed that microinjections of D-AP5 before training impaired avoidance learning at doses that did not impair performance processes. High-performance liquid chromatography measurements showed that D-AP5 was detected only in the telencephalon following microinjections. Thus, D-AP5 impaired avoidance learning through its interaction with telencephalic NMDA receptors in goldfish. Furthermore, microinjections of D-AP5 to the goldfish telencephalon immediately following training did not impair memory consolidation of avoidance conditioning.
Xu
Xiaojuan
X
Department of Psychology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan 49401, USA. xux@gvsu.edu
Bazner
Jennifer
J
Qi
Min
M
Johnson
Erik
E
Freidhoff
Rob
R
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006054:Goldfish / Q000502:physiology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate