The role of protein kinase C in the biochemical pathways of classical conditioning

Evidence suggests that protein kinase C (PKC) is required for long term mem ory storage such as classical conditioning. Stimulation of parallel fibers (PF) and climbing fibers (CF) of the cerebellum leads to production of the second messengers diacylglycerol, arachidonic acid, and calcium which are a ctivators of PKC. A model is developed that describes the cascade of bioche mical reactions in response to PF and CF stimulation and leading to PKC act ivation. Model simulations are used to evaluate the temporal specificity of PKC activation and the sensitivity of PKC activation to the interstimulus interval (ISI) of classical conditioning. Simulations at different ISI show that if PF stimulation precedes CF stimulation, PKC activation is elevated . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.