Effects of Specific Inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase 7 at the Late Stage of Long-Term Potentiation in Murine Hippocampal Slices

Abstract

Second messengers cAMP and cGMP play an important role in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. The inhibitors of phosphodiesterases, enzymes hydrolyzing these cyclic nucleotides, are actively studied as potential drugs for the treatment of various cognitive disorders and depression. We studied the effects of a new inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 7 AGF2.20 on the formation of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices. Administration of AGF2.20 (10 nM) in 90 min after weak tetanization prevented a decrease in the amplitude of excitatory post-synaptic potentials and stabilized long-term potentiation. These data attest to the involvement of phosphodiesterase 7 in the development of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The inhibitor AGF2.20 is considered for the further analysis as a promising substance for the treatment of cognitive impairments.