Contribution of the Gabaergic system to the labilization-reconsolidation process in a neutral verbal memory paradigm

MARÍA LAURA C RODRIGUEZ; JORGE CAMPOS; RAMON LEIGUARDA; MOLINA VA; PEDREIRA MARIA EUGENIA; MALDONADO HÉCTOR

Huerta Grande Cordoba

Congreso; Segunda Reunion Conjunta en Neurociencias IIRCN; 2010

The reconsolidation hypothesis states that a consolidated memory could become susceptible to modulation for a discrete period of time, after a reminder presentation, which begins with a learned cue and triggers the labilization-reconsolidation process. This process was previously described in a declarative memory and specific reminder parametrical conditions were determined. We explored the Gabaergic system role in this process, by administering benzodiazepines, in a neutral verbal memory paradigm. Experimental design consists in a 3-day experiment: Day 1: learning of five cue and response syllables. Day 2: reminder presentation and clonazepam or placebo administration. Day 3: verbal memory evaluation. We determined a dose-response curve by administering different clonazepan doses and found an effective dose of 0.25mg. Results indicate that when this dose was administered, in reconsolidation phase, declarative memory was facilitated. When the reminder conditions were changed, placebo was used or memory was tested 4 hs after the reminder, the facilitating effect was not observed. This unexpected effect could be explained by the paradigm and/or the low dose used. Future experiments will include an aversive paradigm looking for the amnesic effect typically described for this drug.