Possible mechanisms involved in the impairment induced by IL-1beta on memory reconsolidation and its modulation by alpha-MSH

MACHADO I; GONZALEZ P; VILCAEZ A; LASAGA M; SCIMONELLI T

Huerta Grande, Córdoba, Argentina

Congreso; XXVIII Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias (SAN); 2013

XXVIIISociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias (SAN)

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors are present in the brain, specifically in the areas that are known to be involved in memory formation, such as the hippocampus. In addition, increased levels of these cytokines can produce alterations in cognitive processes. Previous studies of our group have demonstrated that the intrahippocampal administration of IL-1b impairs reconsolidation of contextual fear memory. This effect was reversed by the melanocortin alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH), through activation of MC4-R. The mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-1b on memory reconsolidation have not yet been established. We determined a significant increase in ERK phosphorylation in dorsal hippocampus after contextual fear memory reactivation. However, treatment with IL-1b inhibited the increase. The intrahippocampal administration of a-MSH can reverse the decrease in ERK phosphorylation induced by IL-1b. Our results establish a possible mechanism involved in the detrimental effect of IL-1b on memory reconsolidation and also that a-MSH may exert a beneficial modulatory role in preventing IL-1b effects.