Induction- and conditioning-protocol dependent involvement of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in synaptic potentiation and contextual fear memory in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats
2008

Role of NR2B-NMDARs in Memory and Synaptic Potentiation

Sample size: 8 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhang Xue-Han, Wu Long-Jun, Gong Bo, Ren Ming, Li Bao-Ming, Zhuo Min

Primary Institution: Institute of Neurobiology and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University

Hypothesis

The functional role of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in hippocampal LTP and memory depends on LTP-inducing and behavior-conditioning protocols.

Conclusion

NR2B-NMDARs are required for LTP induced by the spike-timing protocol, but not for LTP induced by the pairing or high-frequency stimulation protocols.

Supporting Evidence

  • NR2B-NMDARs are required for LTP induced by spike-timing protocol.
  • NR2B-NMDARs are not required for LTP induced by pairing or high-frequency stimulation protocols.
  • Different conditioning strengths affect the role of NR2B-NMDARs in memory acquisition.

Takeaway

This study found that different ways of training animals affect how certain brain receptors help with memory and learning.

Methodology

The study used pharmacological antagonists to block NR2B-NMDARs and assessed their effects on LTP and fear memory in rats.

Participant Demographics

Sprague-Dawley rats (male, 200–220 g, 8–10 week old) and C57BL/6 mice (male, 6–8 week old).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-6606-1-9

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