Lesions of the Stria Terminalis Attenuate the Enhancing Effect of Posttraining Epinephrine on Retention of an Inhibitory Avoidance Response
Resource
Behavioral Brain Research, n.9, p.49-58
Journal
Behavioral Brain Research
Journal Volume
9
Journal Issue
1
Pages
49-58
Date Issued
1983
Date
1983
Author(s)
McGaugh, J. L.
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the stria terminalis (ST) lesions on the retention facilitation produced by post-training epinephrine. Rats with sham or bilateral ST lesions were trained on a one-trial step-through inhibitory avoidance task and, immediately after training, received saline or one of 3 doses (0.01, 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) of epinephrine. In the rats with sham ST lesions, all 3 doses of epinephrine significantly enhanced retention performance. Lesions of the ST did not affect retention significantly. However, the lesions attenuated the facilitating effect of epinephrine on retention. These findings suggest that the integrity of the ST, which connects the amygdala and other brain structures, is essential for the effect of epinephrine on memory processes. The possible involvement of the brain structures processing visceral information in the memory modulatory effect of epinephrine is discussed.
Type
journal article