Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2016, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (18): 2655-2660.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.18.011

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Corticosterone impairs reconsolidation of novel object recognition memory in rats

Zhou Mei-fang1, Wang Bo1, Tian Shao-wen2, Tan De-rong1, Kuang Xin1   

  1. 1Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China; 2Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
  • Received:2016-03-08 Online:2016-04-29 Published:2016-04-29
  • Contact: Kuang Xin, M.D., Chief physician, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
  • About author:Zhou Mei-fang, Studying for master’s degree, Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
  • Supported by:

    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770689, 81171281; the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, No. 10JJ2009; the General Program of Bureau of Science and Technology of Hengyang City of Hunan Province, No. 2012KJ41

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The formation of long-term memory includes acquisition, consolidation and reconsolidation. Reconsolidation is very important for the new memory transforming into stable memory. Stress is an important environmental factor in the process of learning and memory. Corticosterone is very important for stress response. At present, research about the impact of corticosterone on reconsolidation of novel object recognition memory is less. Thus, it is very important to test the impact of corticosterone on reconsolidation of novel object recognition memory in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of corticosterone on the reconsolidation of novel object recognition memory in rats.
METHODS: (1) The rats were intraperitoneally injected with corticosterone (0.1, 1 and 3 mg/kg) immediately after reactivation. The discrimination index was used to assess memory performance and calculated as the difference in time exploring the novel and familiar objects. (2) The rats were intraperitoneally injected with corticosterone (3 mg/kg) 6 hours after reactivation. The discrimination index was used to assess memory performance and calculated as the difference in time exploring the novel and familiar objects. (3) The rats were intraperitoneally injected with corticosterone 3 mg/kg without reactivation. The discrimination index was used to assess memory performance and calculated as the difference in time exploring the novel and familiar objects.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Immediate injection of corticosterone 3 mg/kg after reactivation significantly decreased the discrimination index. At 6 hours after reactivation or without reactivation, corticosterone administration did not impact the discrimination index. These results confirmed that corticosterone administration immediately after reactivation impairs the reconsolidation of novel object recognition memory. The damage effect depends on the reactivation experience and the specific time window after reactivation. 
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Key words: Corticosterone, Learning, Memory, Tissue Engineering