Biomaterial Database

Nitric oxide formation does not underlie the memory deficits produced by ibotenate injections into the nucleus basalis of rats. 1994

C A Harrington, and S L Mobley, and G L Wenk

Division of Neural Systems, Memory and Aging, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724.

Basal forebrain (BF) injections of ibotenic (IBO) acid impair memory, whereas quisqualic (QUIS) acid injections do not. The authors investigated whether the cytotoxicity and differential behavioral effects of IBO and QUIS in rats depend on the generation of nitric oxide (NO). Injections of IBO or sodium nitroprusside (NP), but not QUIS, significantly increased BF NO formation, as determined by guanosine 3,5-cyclic monophosphate levels. IBO, alone or coinjected with methylene blue (MB), and QUIS, alone or coinjected with NP, decreased cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and the number of ChAT-positive BF neurons. The BF levels of galanin or neuropeptide Y were unchanged in all lesion groups. QUIS, but not IBO, dose-dependently destroyed NO-producing BF cells. Injections of IBO, with or without MB, impaired choice accuracy in a T-maze alternation task. The results suggest that the generation of NO in the BF does not underlie the spatial working memory deficit produced by IBO.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007051	Ibotenic Acid	A neurotoxic isoxazole (similar to KAINIC ACID and MUSCIMOL) found in AMANITA mushrooms. It causes motor depression, ataxia, and changes in mood, perceptions and feelings, and is a potent excitatory amino acid agonist.	Acid, Ibotenic
D008297	Male		Males
D008751	Methylene Blue	A compound consisting of dark green crystals or crystalline powder, having a bronze-like luster. Solutions in water or alcohol have a deep blue color. Methylene blue is used as a bacteriologic stain and as an indicator. It inhibits GUANYLATE CYCLASE, and has been used to treat cyanide poisoning and to lower levels of METHEMOGLOBIN.	Methylthionine Chloride,Swiss Blue,Basic Blue 9,Chromosmon,Methylene Blue N,Methylthioninium Chloride,Urolene Blue,Blue 9, Basic,Blue N, Methylene,Blue, Methylene,Blue, Swiss,Blue, Urolene
D009474	Neurons	The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D009478	Neuropeptide Y	A 36-amino acid peptide present in many organs and in many sympathetic noradrenergic neurons. It has vasoconstrictor and natriuretic activity and regulates local blood flow, glandular secretion, and smooth muscle activity. The peptide also stimulates feeding and drinking behavior and influences secretion of pituitary hormones.	Neuropeptide Y-Like Immunoreactive Peptide,Neuropeptide Tyrosine,Neuropeptide Y Like Immunoreactive Peptide,Tyrosine, Neuropeptide
D009569	Nitric Oxide	A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells, synthesized from ARGININE by NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE. Nitric oxide is one of the ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT RELAXING FACTORS released by the vascular endothelium and mediates VASODILATION. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide activates cytosolic GUANYLATE CYCLASE and thus elevates intracellular levels of CYCLIC GMP.	Endogenous Nitrate Vasodilator,Mononitrogen Monoxide,Nitric Oxide, Endothelium-Derived,Nitrogen Monoxide,Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide,Monoxide, Mononitrogen,Monoxide, Nitrogen,Nitrate Vasodilator, Endogenous,Nitric Oxide, Endothelium Derived,Oxide, Nitric,Vasodilator, Endogenous Nitrate
D009599	Nitroprusside	A powerful vasodilator used in emergencies to lower blood pressure or to improve cardiac function. It is also an indicator for free sulfhydryl groups in proteins.	Nitroferricyanide,Sodium Nitroprusside,Cyanonitrosylferrate,Ketostix,Naniprus,Nipride,Nipruton,Nitriate,Nitropress,Nitroprussiat Fides,Nitroprusside, Disodium Salt,Nitroprusside, Disodium Salt, Dihydrate,Disodium Salt Nitroprusside,Nitroprusside, Sodium
D009949	Orientation	Awareness of oneself in relation to time, place and person.	Cognitive Orientation,Mental Orientation,Psychological Orientation,Cognitive Orientations,Mental Orientations,Orientation, Cognitive,Orientation, Mental,Orientation, Psychological,Orientations,Orientations, Cognitive,Orientations, Mental,Orientations, Psychological,Psychological Orientations
D011939	Mental Recall	The process whereby a representation of past experience is elicited.	Recall, Mental
D012153	Retention, Psychology	The persistence to perform a learned behavior (facts or experiences) after an interval has elapsed in which there has been no performance or practice of the behavior.	Psychological Retention,Retention (Psychology),Psychology Retention,Retention, Psychological