Pilcher, Charles W T and Booth, David A (1975) Effect of cycloheximide on the long term retention of reversed paw preference in the rat. Experimental Brain Research, 23 (2 supp). p. 318. ISSN 0014-4819

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Abstract

Studies using metabolic inhibitors have led to the widespread belief that protein synthesis during learning is essential for the establishment of long-term memory. However such studies have been criticized on the grounds that actions of the drugs other than on protein synthesis or on memory formation ma~ account for the observed effects. We have reasoned that non-specific effects of inhCbltors would be minimized by using a localized, intracranial administration of the drugs. Rats whose spontaneous paw-preference had previously been determined were trained to reach with the non-preferred paw in a single session of 200 reaches or 2hr duration, whichever occurred sooner. Using a chronically implanted cannula which will be described, a solution of cycloheximide (CHX) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg was applied to the pla mater overlying the forelimb sensorimotor cortex. With saline or CHX on the pla mater, rats showed a paw-preference switch when tested within 2hr of the end of training. The salinetreated rats continued to show the new preference for weeks, whereas those animals treated with CHX failed to retain it for more than 3 days. Administering CHX again, 1.5 or 3hr before retest at 7 days, did not restore the new preference. Estimates of the degree and extent of inhibition of protein synthesis were made by assessing the incorporation rate of lhC-lysine at different times after the application of CHX. Brains were dissected into 8 regions. Inhibition of lhC-lysine incorporation was maximal in that region containing the crucial forelimb sensorimotor cortex. The results suggest that at least near-normal rates of protein synthesis are necessary for the establishment and retention of a newly acquired motor skill.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Full report: C.W.T. Pilcher. Drug effects on learning and memory. In K. Brown & S.J. Cooper (Eds.), Chemical influences on behaviour. Pp. 463-502. London: Academic Press, 1979.
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF0180 Experimental psychology Q Science > QD Chemistry > QD0241 Organic chemistry > QD0415 Biochemistry R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Depositing User:	prof. David Booth
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2015 14:06
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2015 14:06
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/56404

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