When presented 24 h after training, a 3-min training that produces no memory alone can cause a memory that would have persisted for only 24 h to persist for 48 h. After a 48 h memory has

been consolidated, 3 min of training also makes the memory sensitive to a protein-synthesis inhibitor. These findings suggest that a function of allowing a consolidated memory to become sensitive to blockers of protein synthesis may be to allow the memory to become more persistent.”
“The now-banned anorectic molecule, dexfenfluramine, promotes serotonin release through a serotonin transporter-dependent mechanism, and it has been widely prescribed learn more for the treatment of obesity. Previous studies have identified that 5-HT2B receptors have important roles in dexfenfluramine side effects, that is, pulmonary NCT-501 mw hypertension, plasma serotonin level regulation, and valvulopathy. We thus investigated a putative contribution of 5-HT2B receptors in dexfenfluramine-dependent feeding behavior in mice. Interestingly, the hypophagic response to dexfenfluramine (3-10 mg/kg) observed in wild-type mice (1-4

h) was eliminated in mice lacking 5-HT2B receptors (5-HT2B-/-). These findings were further validated by the lack of hypophagic response to dexfenfluramine in wild-type mice treated with RS127445, a highly selective and potent antagonist (pKi = 8.22+/-0.24). Using microdialysis, we observed that in 5-HT2B-/- awake mice, the dexfenfluramine-induced hypothalamic peak of serotonin release (1 h) was strongly reduced (fourfold) compared with wild type. Moreover, using hypothalamic synaptosomes, we established the serotonergic neuron autonomous properties of this effect: a strong serotonin release was observed upon dexfenfluramine stimulation

of synaptosome preparation from wild type but not from mice lacking active 5-HT2B receptors. These findings strongly suggest that activation of presynaptic 5-HT2B receptors is a limiting step in the serotonin Epothilone B (EPO906, Patupilone) transporter dependant-releasing effect of dexfenfluramine, whereas other serotonin receptors act downstream with respect to feeding behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology (2011) 36, 423-433; doi:10.1038/npp.2010.173; published online 6 October 2010″
“Animals often show an innate preference for novelty. This preference facilitates spontaneous exploration tasks of novelty discrimination (recognition memory). In response to limitations with standard spontaneous object recognition procedures for rodents, a new task (“”bow-tie maze”") was devised. This task combines features of delayed nonmatching-to-sample with spontaneous exploration. The present study explored aspects of object recognition in the bow-tie maze not amenable to standard procedures. Two rat strains (Lister Hooded, Dark Agouti) displayed very reliable object recognition in both the light and dark, with the Lister Hooded strain showing superior performance (Experiment 1). These findings reveal the potential contribution of tactile and odor cues in object recognition.