ARE MUSCARINIC MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN LONG-TERM

CAFFARO PEDRO1, SUÁREZ LUIS1, COCCOZ VERÓNICA, HECTOR MALDONADO , ALEJANDRO DELORENZI

Cordoba

Congreso; IRCN; 2009

IRCN- SAN

In the crab Chasmagnathus, a strong training builds up a long-term memory which is mRNA - and protein synthesis-dependent. However, a weak training generates a memory with the same characteristics which is stored but not behaviorally expressed. The general hypothesis is that memory storage and long-term memory expression are mediated by different mechanisms. Muscarinic mechanisms are implicated in learning and memory processes in either vertebrates and invertebrates. In Chasmagnathus it was described that Scopolamine (SCP), a muscarinic antagonist, has an amnesic effect when it is administered either pre or post training, concluding that the memory storage is selectively regulated by a muscarinic mechanism. The aim of this project is to determine whether muscarinic mechanisms are involved in long-term memory storage or long-term memory expression. The hypothesis is that SCP administrated pre training would affect memory storage. On the other hand, SCP administrated post training would affect long-term memory expression. The possibility to facilitate the long-term expression of a non expressed memory during reconsolidation, allow us to distinguish between amnesia vs. lack of expression.