Consolidation of auditory cortex-dependent memory requires N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.
The pharmacological basis of sensory cortex-dependent learning and associated cortical reorganizations is only partially understood. In the Mongolian gerbil, the auditory cortex is critical for discriminating the directions of modulation of linearly frequency-modulated tones (FMs). To examine the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors in FM discrimination learning, selective antagonists were used. Compared to vehicle-treated controls, both systemic administration of MK-801 before but not after training, and infusion of D-AP-5 into the auditory cortex after training caused retention deficits detectable 24h later. The amnesic actions were reversible and in a close temporal relation to memory formation. Acquisition performance and performance of an established FM discrimination reaction were not affected. These findings suggest that NMDA receptor activation is required for long-term memory consolidation in auditory cortex-dependent learning.
Schicknick
Horst
H
Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestrasse 6, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany.
Tischmeyer
Wolfgang
W
D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000494:pharmacology; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D005849:Gerbillinae; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*
D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate; D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate