Involvement of purinergic receptors in the expression, reconsolidation and extinction processes of contextual conditioned memory in mice

Abstract

Purinergic receptors activation (P2R) by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in the central nervous system (CNS) appears to be involved in anxiety responses. Studies indicate that activation of P2R modulates the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) via activation of the neuronal isoform of NO synthase (nNOS). There is evidence that administration of nNOS inhibitor decreases the expression and facilitates extinction of conditioned fear memory associated to context (MCC). Thus, the pharmacological blockade of receptors P2R could cause similar effects. However, there are no studies investigating the effects induced by the administration of antagonists P2R, particularly P2X receptor, in animals subjected to MCC. Thus, the hypothesis of the project is that the antagonism of the P2X receptors will promote a change in the processes of memory associated with the MCC. To test this hypothesis, we will carry out pharmacological manipulation of P2XR receptors and evaluate the processes of expression, reconsolidation, and extinction of contextual aversive memory in the MCC. (AU)