S100B protein in pro- and antiapoptotic doses produces different effects on defensive behavior in adult rats.

摘要

We studied the effects of S100b protein in doses stimulating (500 and 50 ng) or inhibiting (5 ng) apoptosis in nerve cells on acquisition, retention, and retrieval of extinction of the acoustic startle response and conditioned fear in adult rats. After application to the vermis of the cerebellum S100b protein in doses of 500 and 50 ng impaired, while in a dose of 5 ng facilitated acquisition of both forms of defensive behavior. Different behavioral effects of S100b protein are probably related to its pro- and antiapoptotic effects on cerebellar cells relevant to the studied forms of behavior. Our results suggest that regulators of apoptosis are involved in the mechanisms of learning and memory.