Sustained Transcription of the Immediate Early GeneArcin the Dentate Gyrus after Spatial Exploration

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2916-12.2013
• Publication Date: 2013-01-23T18:30:58Z
• Authors: Victor Ramirez-Amaya; Arafat Angulo-Per...; Monica K. Chawla; Carol A. Barnes; Susanna Rosi
• Keywords: Immediate early gene; Transcription; Granule (geology); Granule cell

After spatial exploration in rats, Arc mRNA is expressed ∼2% of dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells, and this proportion Arc-positive neurons remains stable for ∼8 h. This long-term presence following behavior not observed hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. We report here that rats ∼50% cells with cytoplasmic mRNA, induced some hours previously during exploration, also show expression the nucleus. suggests recent transcription can occur long after elicited it. To confirm delayed nuclear was indeed transcription, Actinomycin D administered immediately exploration. treatment resulted inhibition both when evaluated shortly exploratory as well longer time intervals. Together, these data demonstrate a unique kinetic profile other cell types. Among number possibilities, sustained may provide mechanism ensures synaptic connection weights sparse population recruited given behavioral event are able to be modified.