The Role of non-NMDA-Receptors in the Process of Associative Learning in the Honeybee Apis mellifera

Pharmacological parameters of non-NMDA-receptors and their participation in the associative learning in the honeybee Apis mellifera L. have been studied using the method of conditional reflexes and pharmacological analysis. The effect of 1-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl, 4-isoxazolprpionate (AMPA), kainate, domoate, antagonist of AMPA-receptors NS-257 HCl and modulator of AMPA-receptors cyclothiazide was studied on retention of the elaborated conditional reflex in short- and long-term memory. It was shown that AMPA-receptors, but not kainate receptors, are involved in the process of formation of short-term memory and are characterized by pharmacological profile similar with that in molluscs. Coactivation of AMPA- and NMDA-receptors is considered as one of possible mechanisms of formation of short-term memory in the honeybee.