The Effect of Structural Analogues of Etimizole on Protein Kinase CK2, Protein Phosphorylation, and Transcription of Chromatin in Rat Cortical and Hippocampal Neurons

The multifunctional protein kinase CK2 is an important enzyme in the nervous system. The nuclear forms of CK2 regulate chromatin structure and gene expression, the key processes for long-term memory formation. In vitro memory modulators, Structural Analogues of Etimizole (SAE), were able to increase or decrease the chromatin-associated CK2 activity in the rat brain cortex and hippocampus. In vivo administration of memory enhancers from SAE-group (3 mg/kg) stimulated CK2 activity and the transcriptional ability of chromatin in the cortex and hippocampus; the effect was observed 30 min after administration, reached a peak at 60 min and lasted for 180 min. At these periods the memory inhibitor from the SAE-group reduced CK2 activity and chromatin transcription. It is assumed that the modulating effect of SAEs on CK2 activity and transcription underlies the effects of these compounds on long-term memory.