Aversive memory in sepsis survivor rats

Abstract

Sepsis is an infectious insult resulting in disturbances in the normal regulation of many organic systems, including the central nervous system. This study aims to evaluate aversive memory as well as its variances-posttraumatic memory and memory of extinction-in survivor rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) at 10, 30, and 60 days after CLP, utilizing the inhibitory avoidance (IA) task paradigm. Male Wistar rats underwent either CLP or sham surgery under anesthesia. Sepsis group received antibiotics and fluid support, whereas sham group received only fluid replacement. The rats were divided in four different tasks: (1) aversive memory after 10, 30, and 60 days after CLP; (2) memory of extinction 60 days after CLP; (3) aversive memory-two trainings paradigm 10 days after CLP; and (4) posttraumatic memory 10 days after CLP. The aversive memory was impaired at 10, 30, but not 60 days after CLP, However, no damage was found in aversive memory after two training sessions. Additionally, there was no damage to the memory of extinction 60 days after CLP. Posttraumatic memory impairment was also observed. In this regard, we believe that our results provide relevant insights into the mechanisms involved in the cognitive deficits associated with sepsis.