Time window in cholinomimetic ability to rescue long-term potentiation in neurodegenerating anti-nerve growth factor mice

Whole cell calcium currents were recorded from PC12 cells with the perforated patch technique. Currents were evoked by step depolarization from a holding potential of −90 mV. Nerve growth factor (NGF) increased calcium currents through L-type calcium channels by >75% within 3–5 min. This increase was inhibited by K-252a, by nifedipine, and by inhibition or down-regulation of kinase C. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also increased calcium current, but to a smaller extent. Thus increases in calcium current can be linked to activation of either the high- or the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. Increases in presynaptic calcium uptake appear to be a crucial element in the short-term actions of the neurotrophins on neurotransmitter release leading to long-term potentiation. Also, the control of calcium uptake is likely to be an important factor in the long-term actions of the neurotrophins on neuronal survival and neuronal protection. The present data indicate that the PC12 cell may be a useful model for studying the effect of the neurotrophins on calcium uptake.

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Acidic fibroblast growth factor facilitates generation of long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices

Brain Research Bulletin ◽

10.1016/0361-9230(94)90075-2 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 505-511 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Kazuo Sasaki ◽

Yutaka Oomura ◽

Alexander Figurov ◽

Hiroshi Yagi

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽

Hippocampal Slices ◽

Long Term Potentiation ◽

Fibroblast Growth ◽

Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor ◽

Term Potentiation

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Neural mechanisms of sexual imprinting

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075603769700313 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 89-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Hans-Joachim Bischof

Keyword(s):

Learning Process ◽

Sexual Partner ◽

Time Window ◽

Young Animal ◽

Long Term Potentiation ◽

Early Learning ◽

Sexual Imprinting ◽

Term Potentiation ◽

The Social

Abstract Sexual imprinting is an early learning process by which a young animal acquires information which will help in choosing a sexual partner. It consists of two separate phases, an acquisition phase where features of the social environment are learnt, and a stabilisation phase in which, guided by the previously acquired social information, a preference for a sexual partner is established and stabilised, such that it cannot be altered subsequently. The stabilisation process is short and can be controlled experimentally. This review summarises research on the neural events accompanying consolidation in those brain areas which have previously been identified as important for imprinting. It shows that the period during which consolidation can occur can be shifted only within a certain time window, and demonstrates the fast adjustment of spine densities within the imprinting areas after consolidation has started. It further suggests that long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms may be involved in this learning process, and that the immediate early genes ZENK and c-fos are expressed within the relevant imprinting areas in the course of consolidation. Evidence is presented for a prominent role of the lateral neostriatum in the imprinting process, and also for the involvement of the hippocampus in this type of early learning.

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