The soma of RPeD1 must be present for long-term memory formation of associative learning in Lymnaea

The cellular basis of long-term memory (LTM) storage is not completely known. We have developed a preparation where we are able to specify that a single identified neuron, Right Pedal Dorsal 1 (RPeD1), is a site of LTM formation of associative learning in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. We demonstrated this by ablating the soma of the neuron but leaving behind its functional primary neurite, as evidenced by electrophysiological and behavioral analyses. The soma-less RPeD1 neurite continues to be a necessary participant in the mediation of aerial respiratory behavior, associative learning, and intermediate-term memory (ITM); however, LTM cannot be formed. However, if RPeD1's soma is ablated after LTM consolidation has occurred, LTM can still be accessed. Thus the soma of RPeD1 is a site of LTM formation.