[Participation of the genetic apparatus in memory and learning phenomena]

Abstract

The first series of experiments showed that inhibition of the proteins synthesis followed by memory disorders, was reflected in decrease of the synaptosomal proteins fraction which was identified as the cholinoreceptor protein. Another series of experiments: training of rats to use unpreferred paw, showed the system acetylcholine-acetylcholinesterase to be directly connected with memory phenomena, and the synthesis of this enzyme to be induced by genetic apparatus. The third series of experiments showed that feeding of rats with small doses of aminoacids for a long time leads to regular shifts in distribution of both the aminoacids and the monoamines. The aminoacids increasing the brain activity were found to activate the production of cycle-adenyl acid. Those aminoacids which inhibit the brain activity, decrease the production of cyclic-AMP. Tranquilizers which decrease the level of monoamines and inhibit the brain activity, also decrease the production of cyclic-AMP. Antidepressants inhibiting MAO and increasing the level of monoamines in the brain, activate the production of cyclic-AMP. As the monoamines act via cyclic-AMP and the latter participates in suppression of DNA, the mechanism of involvement of the genetic apparatus in regulation of memory phenomena and learning, becomes more apparent.