Learning and nitric oxide

Abstract

Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system are able to alter the strength and patterns of their synaptic connections. This activity that is dependent on synaptic plasticity plays an important role in learning and memory. Recent evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in long term potentiation (LTP) which is a cellular model of learning and memory. Intensive studies about this subject has been continuing but the results of different investigations are contradictory and the mechanism is not yet clear. In this study it was aimed to investigate the effects of NO synthase inhibition on learning and memory in Swiss Albino rats that were administered intraperitoneally L-NAME (Nw-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester) at a dose of 20 mg/kg one hour before the test of swimming to a platform in a water tank. It was observed that, in the L-NAME administered group learning was disrupted significantly (p