title: Histaminergic mechanisms for modulation of memory systems.
abstract: Encoding for several memory types requires neural changes and the activity of distinct regions across the brain. These areas receive broad projections originating in nuclei located in the brainstem which are capable of modulating the activity of a particular area. The histaminergic system is one of the major modulatory systems, and it regulates basic homeostatic and higher functions including arousal, circadian, and feeding rhythms, and cognition. There is now evidence that histamine can modulate learning in different types of behavioral tasks, but the exact course of modulation and its mechanisms are controversial. In the present paper we review the involvement of the histaminergic system and the effects histaminergic receptor agonists/antagonists have on the performance of tasks associated with the main memory types as well as evidence provided by studies with knockout models. Thus, we aim to summarize the possible effects histamine has on modulation of circuits involved in memory formation.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos 2400, 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cristiano André
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: Weber Cláudio
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Benetti
authors.forename: Juliana Sartori
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bonini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D006632:Histamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D011968:Receptors, Histamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011968:Receptors, Histamine; D006632:Histamine