Behavioral Consequences of Neurotransmitter Regulation
Abstract
Spatial learning ability using the Morris water task was assessed in inbred strains of mice. After initial characterization, two strains were selected to perform studies, C57BL mice which performed the task well, and DBA2/ J mice which were impaired in their performance. A comparison of cholinergic markers indicated a significant difference between these two strains in acetylcholinesterase activity and in hippocampal protein kinase activity. The difference in protein kinase activity appears to relate to their differing learning ability because a significant correlation between learning ability and hippocampal protein kinase C activity was observed in recombinant inbred strains generated from a cross of C57BL and DBA/2J mice. Additional pharmacological studies were performed in which cholinergic receptors were manipulated by either chronic treatment with an anticholinesterase or an agonist. Such treatments produced a decrease in muscarinic receptors and an impairment in acquisition of spatial learning. These studies demonstrate that cholinergic systems are important during initial acquisition of spatial learning and that coupling of receptors via activation of protein kinase C activity may be an important determinant of learning ability. Keywords: Neurotransmitters; Learning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200374
Entities
People
- Jeanne M. Wehner
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder