Enterostatin (APGPR) enhances memory consolidation in mice

Enterostatin (APGPR) is a pentapeptide released from its precursor protein, procolipase. We found for the first time that enterostatin has memory-enhancing activity. Enterostatin enhanced memory consolidation after central or oral administration at a dose of 10 nmol/mouse or 300 mg/kg, respectively, in a step-through type passive avoidance test in mice. The memory-enhancing activity of enterostatin was inhibited by pretreatment with lorglumide, an antagonist for cholecystokinin 1 (CCK1) receptor. However, enterostatin had no affinity for CCK receptors. These results suggest that enterostatin improves memory retention through CCK release.