Visual recognition memory is related to basic expression level of NMDA receptor NR1/NR2B subtype in hippocampus and striatum of rats

Aim: To examine the basic expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptor NR1 and NR2B subunits in six brain regions of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats
with different visual recognition memory.
Methods: Rats were tested by a novelobject-
recognition model and grouped into the high and the low visual recognition
memory groups. The expression levels of NR1 and NR2B subunits in the
cortex, hippocampus, striatum, amygdala, diencephalon, and olfactory bulb were
measured by semiquantitative immunoblotting.
Results: The NR1 and NR2B
subunit protein levels in the hippocampus of the high visual recognition memory
group were 35.9% (P<0.01) and 53.4% (P<0.05) higher respectively than those in
the low group. In addition, the NR2B level in the striatum in the high visual
recognition memory group was 25.0% (P<0.05) higher than that in the low one.
However, no significant difference was found in the levels of the subunits between
the two groups in other brain regions.
Conclusion: The visual recognition
memory in rats is related to the basic expression level of NMDA receptor NR1/
NR2B subtype in the hippocampus and striatum.