Facilitative effect of a novel AVP fragment analog , NC-1900 , on memory retention and recall in mice

In order to determine the mechanism of action of a new AVP 4–9 analog, NC-1900, on memory processes, memory retention and retrieval tests were conducted in a step-through passive avoidance (PA) task in mice. The administration of NC-1900 facilitated memory retention and retrieval in the PA task through vasopressin 1A (V 1A) receptors but not V 2 receptors. The effect of NC-1900 on memory retention test performance appeared to be due to activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway via V 1A receptors; however, the modulation of PKC was not essential for the facilitative effect of the new peptide in the retrieval test. The facilitation of memory retrieval by NC-1900 may also be mediated by other non-PKC-dependent signaling pathways, such as the phospholipase C-inositol trisphosphate pathway.