Analysis of Y-maze learning in mice using cycloheximide

Abstract

1. Experiments in mice with Cycloheximide (CXM) helped to elucidate some of the underlying mechanisms involved in learning and memory. 2. It appeared that there were consolidation processes occurring whereby short-term memory (STM) was converted into a long-term memory (LTM) trace. 3. The STM traces were unaffected by CXM and therefore did not appear to involve protein synthesis in the neurones. These STM traces under conditions of CXM injection had a viable period of approx 3 hr. 4. Under normal circumstances STM traces were consolidated directly into LTM traces providing an adequate protein synthesis level was present. 5. For this consolidation to occur a necessary level of arousal in the mice was also required. 6. Evidence is presented to suggest that protein synthesis may be involved in consolidation processes by increasing the levels of NA in the brain.