Role of G-proteins and second messenger systems in the plasticity of a defensive reflex in the common snail.

Enzymatic methods were used to demonstrate an increase in the activity of G-proteins and protein kinase A in the brain of the common snail at early stages of learning. There were no differences in the activity of G-proteins in the brain between young (unable to learn) and adult snails. Snail brain protein kinase C activity was unchanged compared to controls 20-40 minutes after the end of the training procedure. It is concluded that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and cAMP-dependent activation of early gene expression have active roles in learning in the snail. The question of the role of additional intracellular regulatory systems in learning in the snail is discussed.