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 memory 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 activators of PKC. A model is developed that describes the cascade of biochemical reactions in response to PF and CF stimulation and leading to PKC activation. 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.