Researchers found that the brain chemical vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) naturally restrains certain types of memory-related changes in the hippocampus by acting through specific receptors called VPAC1. When these receptors were blocked, the brain became better at weakening previously strengthened neural connections, a process important for learning flexibility and detecting new things. The findings suggest that drugs targeting VPAC1 receptors could help treat cognitive problems in conditions like Down syndrome and epilepsy where these brain processes are disrupted.
Cunha-Reis, Diana; Aidil-Carvalho, Maria de Fatima; Ribeiro, Joaquim A