Characterization of the relationship between nitric oxide and serotonin in the formation of long-term memory in an invertebrate model

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dc.contributor.advisorMozzachiodi, Riccardo
dc.contributor.authorRichards, Landrue C.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberCammarata, Kirk
dc.contributor.committeeMemberOmoruyi, Felix
dc.date.accessioned2024-07-24T20:01:12Z
dc.date.available2024-07-24T20:01:12Z
dc.date.issued2024-05-03
dc.description.abstractLearning is a process by which all animals modify their behaviors to ensure increased fitness. In the mollusk Aplysia, long-term sensitization (LTS) serves as a prime example of this learning process, where defensive behaviors, such as the tail-siphon withdrawal reflex (TSWR), are heightened for prolonged periods as a result of repeated exposure to noxious stimuli, showcasing the organism's adaptation to experience. This behavioral plasticity is paralleled by neurophysiological changes, including the long-term increase in excitability (LTIE) of tail sensory neurons (TSNs), serving as neural correlates of LTS and providing a window into the cellular and molecular mechanisms sustaining this form of memory. The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) is known to mediate LTS formation in Aplysia. 5-HT exposure alone can also induce LTS in vivo as well as LTIE in vitro. However, recent findings indicate that the neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) is also necessary for LTS formation. However, it is not known where exactly NO lies in the chemical pathway concerning 5-HT. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to investigate NO’s involvement in long-term memory formation in an invertebrate model. More specifically, the way two chemical messengers, NO and 5-HT, work in the brain. Our findings reveal that NO likely functions downstream of 5-HT, as evidenced by the blockage of in vivo LTS formation by L-NAME, an NO inhibitor, despite the presence of 5-HT. Further, we confirm that NO's role is not significant in in vitro long-term increase in excitability (LTIE), reinforcing its specific importance in LTS. In conclusion, our study significantly advances the understanding of LTS in Aplysia by detailing the interactions between NO and 5-HT. Our findings not only advance our understanding of LTS but also open new avenues for memory and learning research, emphasizing the complexity of neurochemical interactions in learning processes.
dc.description.collegeCollege of Science
dc.description.departmentLife Sciences
dc.format.extent75 pages
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/98104
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.rightsThis material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with its source. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the author and/or publisher.
dc.subjectbehavior
dc.subjectmemory
dc.subjectneurotransmitter
dc.subjectnitric oxide
dc.subjectsensitization
dc.subjectserotonin
dc.titleCharacterization of the relationship between nitric oxide and serotonin in the formation of long-term memory in an invertebrate model
dc.typeText
dc.type.genreThesis
thesis.degree.disciplineBiology
thesis.degree.grantorTexas A & M University--Corpus Christi
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science

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