NO synthesis inhibition decreases cortical ACh release and impairs retention of a conditioned response

• Published in: Brain research Vol. 894; no. 1; pp. 141 - 144
• Main Authors: Kopf, Silvia R., Benton, Regina S., Kalfin, Reni, Giovannini, Maria Grazia, Pepeu, Giancarlo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier B.V 09.03.2001; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Acetylcholine; Acetylcholine - metabolism; Animals; Arginine - pharmacology; Avoidance Learning - drug effects; Avoidance Learning - physiology; Behavioral psychophysiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebral Cortex - drug effects; Cerebral Cortex - metabolism; Enzyme Inhibitors - pharmacology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Male; Memory; Microdialysis; Neurotransmission and behavior; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester - pharmacology; Nitric oxide; Nitric Oxide - metabolism; Passive avoidance; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Retention (Psychology) - drug effects; Retention (Psychology) - physiology; Acetylcholine; Microdialysis; Neurotransmitters, modulators, transporters, and receptors; Memory; Nitric oxide; Passive avoidance; Cerebral cortex; Rat; Rodentia; Central nervous system; Biosynthesis; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Animal; Neurotransmitter; Avoidance; Release; Brain (vertebrata)
• ISSN: 0006-8993; 1872-6240
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-8993(00)03148-6

We investigated in rats the effect N G-nitro- l-arginine methyl ester ( l-NAME) on retention of a passive avoidance response, and cortical ACh release monitored using the microdialysis technique. Post-training administration of l-NAME impaired 24 h retention of a passive avoidance and decreased cortical ACh release. Both effects of l-NAME were reversed by l-Arg. These results suggest that nitric oxide is involved in retention of the passive avoidance response through the modulation of the forebrain cholinergic system.