The involvement of neurotrophic factors in the central mechanisms of behavior in adult animals.

In the light of the similarity of the neurochemical mechanisms of behavior during ontogenesis and in adult organisms, studies were performed on the effects of antibodies to neurotrophic factors--S-100b protein, CSL lectin, and R1 lectin-on the acquisition, retention, and reproduction of habituated acoustic startle reactions and freezing behavior in adult rats. Antibodies against neurotrophic factors were found to have selective, dose-dependent effects on the types of behavior investigated. Antibodies to S-100b, CSL, and R1, at a dose of 5 microg, induced derangements in the processes of consolidation and/or retention of behavioral habits. At a dose of 2 microg, antibodies to S-100b selectively blocked the retention of long-term habituation of the startle reaction, while a dose of 0.5 microg had no such effect. Antibodies to neurotrophic factors had no effect on reproduction of acquired defensive habits.