Distinct mechanisms underlying memory modulation after the first and the second session of two avoidance tasks.

Rats were subjected to three consecutive sessions, one session per day, of either a step-down inhibitory avoidance task using a 60-Hz. 0.3-mA footshock, or a two-way active avoidance task using 20 presentations of a 5-s, 1-kHz tone and a 0.3-mA footshock. After either the first or the second training session animals received an intraperitoneal injection of ACTH (0.2 microgram/kg), epinephrine-HCl (5.0 micrograms/kg), or naloxone-HCl (0.8 mg/kg). All these treatments caused memory facilitation on both tasks when administered after the first training session. When administered after the second training session only ACTH and adrenaline were effective, on both tasks. As previous physiological and pharmacological reports point to the activation of the brain beta-endorphin system after the first, but not the second, session of a task, we propose that (a) memory facilitation by naloxone depends on the previous activation of the brain beta-endorphin system; and (b) memory facilitation due to ACTH or epinephrine does not depend on the opioid activity, so their effects are expressed after both the first and the second training sessions. It was also observed that the enhancement of performance in the second training session due to post-training facilitatory treatments carried over to the test session. These results suggest that some form of consolidation occurs both after the first and after the second training session.