Effects of nitric oxide on passive avoidance learning in rats

Yildirim M., Marangoz C.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, vol.114, no.5, pp.597-606, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 114 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00207450490430471
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.597-606
  • Keywords: D-NAME, L-arginine, learning, L-NAME, memory, nitric oxide, rat, LONG-TERM POTENTIATION, SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY, MEMORY FORMATION, NONVERBAL INTELLIGENCE, FAMILIAL SINISTRALITY, SYNTHASE INHIBITOR, LEFT-HANDERS, CHICK, IMPAIRMENT, MESSENGER
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No

Abstract

To investigate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on passive avoidance learning, L-NAME, D-NAME, and L-arginine were administered i.p. 30 min prior to learning trial; the effects of these substances were tested 24 h later using a passive avoidance apparatus in rats. To reveal the effect of NO on consolidation of acquired memory, L-NAME, D-NAME, and L-arginine were administered i.p. immediately after learning trials and animals were tested 24 It later. Effect of NO on retention was also investigated by injecting L-NAME, D-NAME, and L-arginine (same dosages) 30 min prior to 24 It testing (retrieval). L-NAME administered 30 min before and 24 h after learning trial significantly decreased the avoidance latency but there was no significant effect on consolidation. L-Arginine appeared to enhance the retention of acquired memory significantly, whereas D-NAME had no effect on any testing regime. The results suggest that NO may be involved in learning and retention of passive avoidance.