Abstract
The central cholinergic system and muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mR) activation have long been associated with cognitive function. And degeneration of the cholinergic basal forebrain (CBF) neurons is a pronounced hallmark of Alzheimers Disease (AD). However, CBF immunolesions as animal models of AD cholinergic degeneration have not replicated the robust memory deficits of nonselective excitotoxic lesions. The less studied cholinergic projections to the amygdala, which are affected in AD but unaffected by immunolesions, may be more important in memory storage than previously suspected. The sparing of these amygdalopetal projections may help explain the dissociation between excitotoxic and immunotoxic CBF lesions. The CBF projections to cortex have since been shown to be important for attentional processes, which may contribute indirectly to memory. Nonetheless, there are conditions under which their selective ablation produces clear memory deficits. For example, memory enhancement induced by posttraining basolateral amygdalar activation is ineffective when corticopetal cholinergic projections are lesioned. Moreover, posttraining cholinergic agonism enhances long-term memory. Such findings suggest that cholinergic innervation of the cortex may be particularly important during modulation of memory storage for stressful and / or arousing events. In concordance, mR agonism facilitates neuronal plasticity and can induce expression of memory-associated immediate early genes. The present article reviews the behavior, physiology and inducible genetic expression literatures which together suggest that the early CBF lesion data were not a red herring but rather that CBF projections not only to cortex but also to the amygdala may in fact have important neuromodulatory functions in memory consolidation processes.
Keywords: acetylcholine, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, basal forebrain, limbic
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Muscarinic Cholinergic Contribution to Memory Consolidation: With Attention to Involvement of the Basolateral Amygdala
Volume: 11 Issue: 8
Author(s): A. E. Power
Affiliation:
Keywords: acetylcholine, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, basal forebrain, limbic
Abstract: The central cholinergic system and muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mR) activation have long been associated with cognitive function. And degeneration of the cholinergic basal forebrain (CBF) neurons is a pronounced hallmark of Alzheimers Disease (AD). However, CBF immunolesions as animal models of AD cholinergic degeneration have not replicated the robust memory deficits of nonselective excitotoxic lesions. The less studied cholinergic projections to the amygdala, which are affected in AD but unaffected by immunolesions, may be more important in memory storage than previously suspected. The sparing of these amygdalopetal projections may help explain the dissociation between excitotoxic and immunotoxic CBF lesions. The CBF projections to cortex have since been shown to be important for attentional processes, which may contribute indirectly to memory. Nonetheless, there are conditions under which their selective ablation produces clear memory deficits. For example, memory enhancement induced by posttraining basolateral amygdalar activation is ineffective when corticopetal cholinergic projections are lesioned. Moreover, posttraining cholinergic agonism enhances long-term memory. Such findings suggest that cholinergic innervation of the cortex may be particularly important during modulation of memory storage for stressful and / or arousing events. In concordance, mR agonism facilitates neuronal plasticity and can induce expression of memory-associated immediate early genes. The present article reviews the behavior, physiology and inducible genetic expression literatures which together suggest that the early CBF lesion data were not a red herring but rather that CBF projections not only to cortex but also to the amygdala may in fact have important neuromodulatory functions in memory consolidation processes.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Power E. A., Muscarinic Cholinergic Contribution to Memory Consolidation: With Attention to Involvement of the Basolateral Amygdala, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2004; 11 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867043455558
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867043455558 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Selective Thyroid Hormone Receptor Modulators
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Functional Neurochemistry of Alzheimers Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Predicting Progression from Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease with the Disease State Index
Current Alzheimer Research Alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptors in Nervous System Disorders: From Function to Therapeutic Perspectives
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Relationship Between Plasma Aβ Levels, Cognitive Function and Brain Volumetrics: Sydney Memory and Ageing Study
Current Alzheimer Research Serotonin 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> Receptors and Antipsychotics - An Update in Light of New Concepts and Drugs
Current Pharmaceutical Design Cognitive Impairment and Diabetes
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery Common Mechanisms of Excitatory and Inhibitory Imbalance in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Current Molecular Medicine 30 Years Lost in Anesthesia Theory
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry α7 Nicotinic Receptor Agonists as Potential Therapeutic Drugs for Schizophrenia
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Central Nervous System Agents Pharmacology of Motor and Somatosensory Skills in Humans
Current Neuropharmacology Endophenotypes and Biological Markers of Schizophrenia: From Biological Signs of Illness to Novel Treatment Targets
Current Pharmaceutical Design Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide and its Receptor are Expressed in the Central Nervous System and Support Neuronal Survival
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Pharmacology of the Glycine Receptor Chloride Channel
Current Pharmaceutical Design An Update on Drug Interactions with the Herbal Medicine Ginkgo biloba
Current Drug Metabolism Interface for Improving a Subject's Sensory, Reflex and/or Motor Mechanisms via Auditory or Tactile Noise
Recent Patents on Electrical & Electronic Engineering Neurobehavioral and Cognitive Changes Induced by Hypoxia in Healthy Volunteers
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Philosophical Issues in the Prodromal Phase of Psychosis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Neurological Substrate of Central Auditory Processing Deficits in Children
Current Pediatric Reviews subject Index To Volume 1
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders