Role for purinergic receptors in memory processing in young chicks

The current study used a single trial bead discrimination task for the young chick to ascertain if inhibitors of P2 purinergic receptors would impair memory retention. Suramin and PPADS provided similar retention profiles. Loss of memory retention was evident by 60 min post-training. Both drugs caused persistent memory loss which was still evident 24 h post-training. These findings suggest that P2 receptors have a role in memory processing.

► Purinergic antagonists suramin and PPADS administered. ► Interference with memory processes during short-term and between intermediate memory stages. ► Antagonists resulted in significant retention loss from 60 min to 24 h post-training. ► Possible involvement of P2 receptors in long-term memory formation.