Pharmacological findings contribute to the understanding of the main physiological mechanisms of memory retrieval.

Full Abstract

Recent pharmacological findings have shown that retrieval of one-trial avoidance learning requires glutamate receptors, cAMP-dependent protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases in the hippocampus, entorhinal, posterior parietal and anterior cingulate cortex. It requires AMPA but not other type of glutamate receptors or the protein kinases in the amygdala. Retrieval is modulated by dopamine D1, beta-noradrenergic, serotonin 1A and cholinergic receptors in the four cortical structures mentioned, and by beta-noradrenergic receptors in the basolateral amygdala. Further, retrieval is also modulated by peripheral ACTH, glucocorticoids, vasopressin, beta-endorphin and catecholamines; these hormones probably act through beta-noradrenergic receptor systems in the basolateral amygdala. Exposure to novelty or the systemic administration of antidepressant drugs prior to retention tests enhances retrieval, even for very remote memories. The effect of novelty is mediated by molecular mechanisms similar to those of retrieval itself.

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Author information

Author/s: Barros, Daniela M (DM); Izquierdo, Luciana A (LA); Medina, Jorge H (JH); Izquierdo, Ivan (I);

Affiliation: Centro de Memória, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcellos, 2600-anexo, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Current drug targets. CNS and neurological disorders (Curr Drug Targets CNS Neurol Disord), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 2 (issue 2) : pp 81-94

Dates: Created 2003/05/28; Completed 2003/06/17; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12769801, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Brain - drug effects; physiology
Hormones - physiology

Hormones - physiology
Humans
Memory - drug effects; physiology

Associated Chemicals: Hormones (0)

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