Hippocampal Snap-25 Role In Learning And Memory

SNAP-25 (25 kDa synaptosomaI-associated protein), a neuron-specific presynaptic protein, is highly expressed in the hippocampus. Ithas been shown that SNAP-25 is invoIved in both transmitter reIease andaxonaI growth. It was reported that, foIlowing the induCtion of LTP in thehippocampus, the expression of SNAP-25 increased. These resuItssuggest that SNAP-25 may pIay a functional roIe in learning and memory.TO test this, we IocaI1y infused the antisense oIigonucIeotides of SNAP-25gene into the CA1 or CA3 regions in rats. W6 fOund that, IocaI infusion ofSNAP-25 antisense into the CA1 or CA3 region impaired spatiaI memoryin Morris water maze and conteXtual memory in freezing monitoF,whereas similar infusion of scramble or saIine was without effect.AccordingIy, IocaI infusion of SNAP-25 antisense into CA3 or CA1significantly reduced the long-term potentiation (LTP) of these regions,while simiIar treatment with SNAP-25 scrambIe or saline had no eff6ct onLTP. The present study suggest that hippocampaI SNAP-25 is necessaryfor learning and memory in rats.