Research reportPossible involvement of the CA1 GABAergic system on harmaline induced memory consolidation deficit

- Post-training injection of phaclofen did not alter but baclofen impaired memory.
- I.p. injection of harmaline impaired memory consolidation.
- Phaclofen decreased, but baclofen increased amnesia induced by harmaline.
- The GABAergic system of CA1 may modulate harmaline-induced amnesia.

Activation of the GABAB receptors inhibit learning and memory processes. The current research was designed to examine the role of dorsal hippocampal (CA1) GABAB receptors on harmaline induced memory consolidation deficit in mice. For this purpose, the effects induced by the GABAB antagonist phaclofen and the GABAB agonist baclofen on memory consolidation were assessed by using the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. Furthermore, the possible involvement of harmaline on GABAB receptor's effects was also assessed through using the same behavioral procedure. In a first dose response experiments, post-training intra-CA1 injections of phaclofen did not change while baclofen (0.1 μg/mouse) impaired animals' performance in this task, suggesting a modulation of storage of information. Moreover, Post-training intra-peritoneal (i.p.) infusion of harmaline (2 and 5 mg/kg) also decreased memory consolidation. Interestingly, phaclofen at the sub-threshold dose (0.001 μg/mouse, intra-CA1), successfully antagonized the deficits on memory consolidation induced by the highest doses of harmaline (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, non significant dose of baclofenc (0.001 μg/mouse, intra-CA1) potentiated impairment of memory consolidation induced by harmaline (2 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition in all experiments, locomotor activity did not alter significantly. These results indicate a) that the CA1 GABAB receptors are involved in memory consolidation b) that harmaline interact with the CA1 GABAB receptors in modulation of memory consolidation.