The effect of orexin 1 and orexin 2 receptors antagonisms in the basolateral amygdala on memory processing in a passive avoidance task

Abstract

There is an extensive evidence concerning basolateral amygdala (BLA) function to hippocampal memory processing. However, few researches have addressed the orexinergic system roles in this modulation. Then, the present study aims at investigating the action of orexin 1 and 2 receptors in BLA on passive avoidance (PA) learning. Wistar male rats (n=79) were trained to avoid foot shock in one type of PA task. The rats were injected bilaterally into BLA, a selective orexin 1 receptor antagonist, SB-334867-A (3, 6, 12μg/0.5μl), and an orexin 2 receptor antagonist, TCS-OX2-29 (2.5, 5, 10μg/0.5μl), after training or before retrieval of the inhibitory avoidance task. Control rats received dimethyl sulfoxide at the same volume. The amount of learning was assessed 24h later. The time of the first entrance to the dark compartment and the total time spending in the light compartment were measured as criteria for the avoidance memory. The results showed that consolidation and retrieval were significantly impaired by SB-334867-A administration into BLA in 3, 6 and 12μg/0.5μl. However, TCS-OX2-29 in 2.5μg/0.5μl could not influence neither consolidation nor retrieval. The TCS-OX2-29 administration into BLA impaired memory retrieval in 5 and 10μg/0/5μl but not the consolidation. It gives the impression that orexinergic system of the BLA plays an important role in regulation of memory processing and learning in the rats.

Keywords: Basolateral amygdala; Learning; Memory; Orexin receptors; Passive avoidance learning.