Protein Synthesis in the Hippocampal Pyramidal Cells of Rats during a Behavioral Test

Protein synthesis was studied in the pyramidal nerve cells of the CA3 region in the hippocampus of rats during a behavioral test involving transfer of handedness. A new electrophoretic technique was used for separation of 10$^{-7}$ to 10$^{-9}$ gram of protein and radiometric determination of the various protein fractions. After interventricular administration of $^{3}$H-leucine, protein synthesis of two fast-moving fractions was significantly higher bilaterally in the hippocampus of the trained rats. There was also a trend to lateralization of the highest protein synthesis to the learning side.