Effects of Cav2.2 inhibitor on hippocampal spatial short- term cognition

Neuronal voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) including Cav2.1 and Cav2.2 channels mediate the presynaptic machinery for vesicular release of neurotransmitters. However, the role of different VGCCs in the neural circuits underlying spatial short-term memory has not been studied. Although it has been reported that spatial cognition requires Cav2.1-regulated signaling in the hippocampus, Cav2.2-regulated function remains unknown. This study examined whether Cav2.2-mediated signaling plays role in spontaneous alternation patterns of Y maze test. Mice received intracerebroventricular injection of Cav2.2 blocker (ω-conotoxin GVIA, 5 pg/ side) showed impaired spontaneous alternation patterns. Intrahippocampal injection of ω-conotoxin GVIA (5 pg/side) induced learning impairment. These results indicate that Cav2.2-mediated signaling is also critical in the hippocampus-dependent spatial cognition.