Author(s)

Fernando Canova^*, Rodolfo Souza Faria, Elenice Aparecida de Moraes Ferrari

Laboratory of Neural Systems and Behavior, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil.

This study investigated effects of post-training treatment with phaclofen, GABA_B receptor antagonist, on the memory of food location and on the expression of Synapsin I in the hippocampus of pigeons. Pigeons were trained in food location (7 sessions) and underwent post-training treatment with phaclofen (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.; PHAC), saline (SAL) or non-treated (NTR). Testing for memory persistence occurred 7 days after the last training session (PHACR, SALR and NTRR Groups). Pigeons treated with phaclofen had lower latency and higher correct choice values than saline and non-treated controls (p < 0.05). Analysis of hippocampus tissue indicated that Synapsin I-positive cell counts were higher in pigeons treated with phaclofen than in saline and non-treated controls (p < 0.05). Data indicated enhancement of consolidation and persistence of food location memory, and up-regulation of Synapsin I expression in the hippocampus of pigeons, which were related with post-training blockade of GABA_B receptors.

Spatial Memory, Hippocampus, Synapsin I, GABA_B Receptor, Pigeon

Canova, F. , Faria, R. and de Moraes Ferrari, E. (2014) Effects of Post-Training Blockade of GABA_B Receptor on Memory of Food Location and Expression of Synapsin I in the Hippocampus of Pigeons (Columba livia). Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 4, 579-589. doi: 10.4236/jbbs.2014.412055.