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Analysis of alkaloids (indole alkaloids, isoquinoline alkaloids, tropane alkaloids). RECENT ADVANCES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS 2020. [PMCID: PMC7153348 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816455-6.00015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Inverardi F, Chikhladze M, Donzelli A, Moroni RF, Regondi MC, Pennacchio P, Zucca I, Corradini I, Braida D, Sala M, Franceschetti S, Frassoni C. Cytoarchitectural, behavioural and neurophysiological dysfunctions in the BCNU-treated rat model of cortical dysplasia. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 37:150-62. [PMID: 23095101 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortical dysplasias (CDs) include a spectrum of cerebral lesions resulting from cortical development abnormalities during embryogenesis that lead to cognitive disabilities and epilepsy. The experimental model of CD obtained by means of in utero administration of BCNU (1-3-bis-chloroethyl-nitrosurea) to pregnant rats on embryonic day 15 mimics the histopathological abnormalities observed in many patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioural, electrophysiological and anatomical profile of BCNU-treated rats in order to determine whether cortical and hippocampal lesions can directly lead to cognitive dysfunction. The BCNU-treated rats showed impaired short-term working memory but intact long-term aversive memory, whereas their spontaneous motor activity and anxiety-like response were normal. The histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, made after behavioural tests, revealed the disrupted integrity of neuronal populations and connecting fibres in hippocampus and prefrontal and entorhinal cortices, which are involved in memory processes. An electrophysiological evaluation of the CA1 region of in vitro hippocampal slices indicated a decrease in the efficiency of excitatory synaptic transmission and impaired paired pulse facilitation, but enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) associated with hyperexcitability in BCNU-treated rats compared with controls. The enhanced LTP, associated with hyperexcitability, may indicate a pathological distortion of long-term plasticity. These findings suggest that prenatal developmental insults at the time of peak cortical neurogenesis can induce anatomical abnormalities associated with severe impairment of spatial working memory in adult BCNU-treated rats and may help to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction that is often associated with epilepsy in patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Inverardi
- Clinical Epileptology and Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milano, Italy
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Braida D, Donzelli A, Martucci R, Capurro V, Sala M. Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by Salvinorin A, the Principal Ingredient of Salvia divinorum, in Wistar Rats. Int J Toxicol 2011; 30:650-61. [DOI: 10.1177/1091581811418538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of salvinorin A ( Salvia divinorum principal ingredient), a potent κ-opioid natural hallucinogen, on learning and memory were investigated. Wistar rats were tested in the 8-arm radial maze, for object recognition and passive avoidance tasks for spatial, episodic, and aversive memory. Attention was assessed using a latent inhibition task. Salvinorin A (80-640 μg/kg subcutaneous [sc]) did not affect short-term memory, but it impaired spatial long-term memory. Episodic and aversive memories were impaired by salvinorin A (160-640 μg/kg). Memory impairment was blocked by the selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine ([nor-B]; 0.5-1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]). Salvinorin A (160 μg/kg) disrupted latent inhibition, after LiCl treatment, such as reduced sucrose intake, suggesting an attention would result in an impairment of cognitive behavior. These findings demonstrate for the first time that salvinorin A has deleterious effects on learning and memory, through a κ-opioid receptor mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Donzelli
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Martucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Capurro
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
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Klinkenberg I, Blokland A. The validity of scopolamine as a pharmacological model for cognitive impairment: A review of animal behavioral studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 34:1307-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Kumar A. Carbachol-induced long-term synaptic depression is enhanced during senescence at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses. J Neurophysiol 2010; 104:607-16. [PMID: 20505129 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00278.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the cholinergic transmitter system is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and contributes to an age-associated decline in memory performance. The current study examined the influence of carbachol, a cholinergic receptor agonist, on synaptic transmission over the course of aging. Extracellular excitatory postsynaptic field potentials were recorded from CA3-CA1 synapses in acute hippocampal slices obtained from young adult (5-8 mo) and aged (22-24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats. Bath application of carbachol elicited a transient depression of synaptic transmission, which was followed by a long-lasting depression (CCh-LTD) observed 90 min after carbachol cessation in both age groups. However, the magnitude of CCh-LTD was significantly larger in senescent animals and was attenuated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade in aged animals. Blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels inhibited CCh-LTD to a greater extent in aged animals compared to young adults. Finally, the expression of CCh-LTD was dependent on protein synthesis. The results indicate that altered Ca(2+) homeostasis or muscarinic activation of Ca(2+) signaling contribute to the enhanced CCh-LTD during senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0244, USA.
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Takahashi E, Niimi K, Itakura C. Impairment of spatial short-term memory following acute administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist in heterozygous rolling Nagoya mice carrying the Ca V 2.1 alpha1 mutation. Behav Brain Res 2010; 213:121-5. [PMID: 20420856 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous rolling Nagoya (rol/+) mice carrying Ca(V)2.1 alpha(1) mutation demonstrated normal behavior in Y maze test. Similar spontaneous alternation patterns were noted in wild-type and rol/+ mice injected with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA; 0-50mg/kg, sc). Systemic injection of NMDA receptor blocker (MK-801; 0.05 mg/kg, ip) or intrahippocampal injection of MK-801 (0.5 microg/side), which had no effect in wild-type controls, decreased spatial cognition in rol/+ mice. These results indicate that Ca(V)2.1 alpha(1) mutation probably through decrease in Ca(2+) influx lowers the threshold for learning impairment. The combination subthreshold pharmacological and genetic approach is useful to study functional pathways in neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Takahashi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Research Resources Center, Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Rubino T, Realini N, Braida D, Guidi S, Capurro V, Viganò D, Guidali C, Pinter M, Sala M, Bartesaghi R, Parolaro D. Changes in hippocampal morphology and neuroplasticity induced by adolescent THC treatment are associated with cognitive impairment in adulthood. Hippocampus 2009; 19:763-72. [PMID: 19156848 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Marijuana and hashish are the illicit drugs most frequently used by human adolescents. Given the continued neurodevelopment throughout adolescence, adolescents may be more vulnerable than adults to certain neural consequences of heavy marijuana use. This study aimed to assess whether an experimental model of adolescent chronic exposure to Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may induce lasting effects on learning and memory. Adolescent rats have been treated with THC or its vehicle from 35 to 45 postnatal days (PND) and left undisturbed until their adulthood (75 PND) when aversive and spatial memory was assessed using the passive avoidance and radial maze tasks. No alteration was found in aversive memory, but in the radial maze THC pretreated animals exhibited a worse performance than vehicles, suggesting a deficit in spatial working memory. To correlate memory impairment to altered neuroplasticity, level of marker proteins was investigated in the hippocampus, the most relevant area mediating spatial memory. A significant decrease in the astroglial marker glial fibrillar acid protein was found as well as in pre- and postsynaptic protein expression (VAMP2, PSD95) and NMDA receptor levels in pretreated rats. To parallel these changes to alteration in dendritic morphology, Golgi-Cox staining was performed in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Pretreated rats had a significantly lower total dendritic length and number than vehicles, as well as reduced spine density. Our data suggest that THC pretreated rats may establish less synaptic contacts and/or less efficient synaptic connections throughout the hippocampus and this could represent the molecular underpinning of the cognitive deficit induced by adolescent THC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Rubino
- DBSF and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy.
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9
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The depressive phenotype induced in adult female rats by adolescent exposure to THC is associated with cognitive impairment and altered neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex. Neurotox Res 2009; 15:291-302. [PMID: 19384563 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-009-9031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) chronic administration in female adolescent rats induces alterations in the emotional circuit ending in depressive-like behavior in adulthood. Since cognitive dysfunction is a major component of depression, we assessed in these animals at adulthood different forms of memory. Adolescent female rats were treated with THC or its vehicle from 35 to 45 post-natal days (PND) and left undisturbed until their adulthood (75 PND) when aversive and spatial memory was assessed using the passive avoidance and radial maze tasks. No alteration was found in aversive memory, but in the radial maze THC pre-treated animals exhibited a worse performance than vehicles, suggesting a deficit in spatial working memory. To correlate memory impairment to altered neuroplasticity, level of marker proteins was investigated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the most relevant areas for learning and memory. A significant decrease in synaptophysin and PSD95 proteins was found in the prefrontal cortex of THC pre-treated rats, with no alterations in the hippocampus. Finally, proteomic analysis of the synapses in the prefrontal cortex revealed the presence of less active synapses characterized by reduced ability in maintaining normal synaptic efficiency. This picture demonstrates the presence of cognitive impairment in THC-induced depressive phenotype.
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Figueredo LZP, Moreira KM, Ferreira TL, Fornari RV, Oliveira MGM. Interaction between glutamatergic-NMDA and cholinergic-muscarinic systems in classical fear conditioning. Brain Res Bull 2008; 77:71-6. [PMID: 18582541 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2007] [Revised: 05/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have suggested that the glutamatergic and cholinergic systems are both involved in learning and memory processes and that they interact in order to facilitate these processes. However, the role of M1-muscarinic receptors in mediating this interaction has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the concomitant administration of MK-801 (non-competitive NMDA antagonist) and dicyclomine (M1-muscarinic antagonist--DIC) in sub-effective doses impairs contextual fear conditioning (hippocampal-dependent task) and tone fear conditioning tasks (hippocampal-independent task). The results showed that concomitant pre-training administration of DIC (8.0 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.07 mg/kg)--two sub-effectives doses for the contextual fear conditioning task--does impair the performance of animals on this task (as measured by freezing behavior time). Tone fear conditioning tasks were not affected by the drugs either administered separately or concurrently. The pre-training administration of sub-effective doses of MK-801 and DIC in combination impairs performance on contextual fear conditioning task (hippocampal-dependent), but not on tone fear conditioning task (hippocampal-independent). These data support the hypothesis that the interaction between glutamatergic and cholinergic systems in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory processes probably occurs through M1 receptor.
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Esmaeili B, Basseda Z, Dehpour AR. Antagonism of muscarinic M1 receptors by dicyclomine inhibits the consolidation of morphine-associated contextual memory. Brain Res Bull 2008; 76:380-7. [PMID: 18502314 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Revised: 01/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
M1 muscarinic receptor has been shown to be involved in cognitive functions of the brain. Conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm involves memory for the association between environmental stimuli and the rewarding properties produced by a treatment. Using a balanced CPP design, we studied the possible involvement of M1 muscarinic receptors on the acquisition, expression and consolidation of morphine place conditioning in male mice. Subcutaneous administration of morphine sulphate-induced CPP in a dose-dependent manner. Using a 6-day schedule of conditioning, it was found that dicyclomine, an M1 muscarinic antagonist, significantly reduced the time spent by mice in the morphine compartment when given immediately, but not 6h, after each conditioning session (consolidation). It had no effect when administered 30 min before each conditioning session during CPP training period (acquisition) or 30 min before testing for place preference in the absence of morphine (expression). It is concluded that M1 muscarinic receptors may play a time-dependent role in the consolidation of reward-related memory of morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Esmaeili
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Iran
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12
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Costa VCI, Xavier GF. Atropine-induced, state-dependent learning for spatial information, but not for visual cues. Behav Brain Res 2007; 179:229-38. [PMID: 17350114 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 02/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates state-dependent learning employing atropine. The reaction of rats to (1) the presentation of novel stimuli, (2) habituation to intermittent presentations of the same stimulus at the same local, (3) spatial change at the site of stimulus presentation, and (4) a visual stimulus change, was investigated in the straight alleyway test, controlling for the possible development of behavioral and/or pharmacological tolerance. Our findings reveal that rats habituated to stimulus presentation at a specific location, when under an atropine effect, do react to stimulus presentation at another location, or to a different stimulus, when under an atropine effect, indicating that this drug does not interfere with the acquisition of spatial or visual information. Differently, however, rats habituated to stimulus presentation at a specific location in the absence of an atropine effect are unable to react to spatial change when under the atropine effect, but do react to a visual stimulus change. This suggests that atropine interferes either with the retrieval of previously acquired spatial information or with the comparison of previously acquired spatial information with current information, but does not interfere with visual recognition. These findings reveal that atropine interferes with the use of spatial information acquired in the absence of a drug effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Catelli Infantozzi Costa
- Departamento de Fisiologia do Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, 101, 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Monteiro Moreira K, Lima Ferreira T, Vecchio Fornari R, Perez Figueredo LZ, Menezes Oliveira MG. Interaction between M1-muscarinic and glutamatergic NMDA receptors on an inhibitory avoidance task. Brain Res Bull 2005; 67:504-8. [PMID: 16216700 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2004] [Revised: 06/28/2005] [Accepted: 07/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that MK-801 potentiates the effects of the non-selective muscarinic antagonist scopolamine on memory in rats. In this study, we investigated the role of the M1-muscarinic receptor in this interaction, by administering different doses of dicyclomine (DIC) and MK-801 in combination to male Wistar rats before training on the inhibitory avoidance task. MK-801 and DIC in sub-effective doses were administered in combination. It was observed that MK-801 at a dose of 0.1125 mg/kg with a sub-effective dose of 8 mg/kg of DIC significantly impaired the retention test when compared with saline-treated animals, i.e. MK-801 potentiated the effects of dicyclomine on memory impairment. Our results suggest an important role for the M1-muscarinic receptor in the synergistic interaction between cholinergic muscarinic and glutamatergic NMDA receptors, which is in line with the findings that the interactive modulation between these two neurotransmitters systems constitutes an important mechanism in cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Monteiro Moreira
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Psicobiologia, Rua Napoleão de Barros 925, CEP 04024-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Braida D, Sacerdote P, Panerai AE, Bianchi M, Aloisi AM, Iosuè S, Sala M. Cognitive function in young and adult IL (interleukin)-6 deficient mice. Behav Brain Res 2004; 153:423-9. [PMID: 15265638 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2003.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2003] [Revised: 12/19/2003] [Accepted: 12/19/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine shown to affect brain function and to be involved in pathological neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study we investigated the cognitive function in transgenic mice not expressing IL-6 (IL-6 KO) and in wild type (WT) genotype at 4 and 12 months of age, using a passive avoidance and an eight-arm radial maze tasks. Motor function was quantified using an Animex apparatus. Hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was evaluated in both genotypes. No difference was observed in both genotypes for spontaneous motor activity. The mean latency (s) to re-enter the shock box, was similar in both young mutant and WT mice. However, a decreased sensitivity (50%) to scopolamine (1 mg/kg) in mutant compared to WT mice, was obtained. IL-6 KO mice exhibited a facilitation of radial maze learning over 30 days, in terms of a lower number of working memory errors and a higher percentage of animals reaching the criterion as compared with WT genotype tested at both ages. Furthermore, mutant mice, at the age of 12 months, showed a faster acquisition (22 days versus 30 days to reach the criterion). The pattern of arm entry exhibited by IL-6 KO mice showed a robust tendency to enter an adjacent arm at both ages, while WT only at the age of 4 months. ChAT activity was inversely correlated with memory performance. These findings suggest a possible involvement of IL-6 on memory processes, even if the mechanism remains still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32/A, 20129 Milan, Italy
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Sun X, Wang H. Evidence that muscarinic receptors are involved in nicotine-facilitated spatial memory. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:775-9. [PMID: 15301934 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2003] [Revised: 05/16/2004] [Accepted: 05/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A delayed nonmatching-to-position task (DNMPT) in a water maze (nine trials per day, 10 days) was used to investigate the role of muscarinic acetylcholinergic receptor (mAChR) in nicotine-facilitated spatial memory in Wistar rats. The index of spatial memory was determined by the number of correct choices made in choice swim (CS) and the time taken to complete the swim in the correct CS. Diazepam (6 mg kg(-1) ip, daily) significantly impaired choice accuracy and increased the swim time for correct CS. In contrast, when nicotine (2 mg kg(-1) sc, twice daily) and diazepam were administered simultaneously in the last three sessions of training, the choice accuracies of CS were similar to controls and significantly higher than in the diazepam group. However, the swim times for correct CS were longer in the nicotine+diazepam group than in controls. Atropine (30 mg kg(-1) ip, daily) significantly decreased the choice accuracies of CS. The choice accuracies of CS swim times for correct CS in the atropine group did not differ significantly from those in the nicotine+atropine group, in which nicotine (2 mg kg(-1) sc, twice daily) and atropine were given simultaneously. These results show that nicotine improves memory performance when the functions of mAChRs are normal; when the mAChRs are blocked, nicotine does not enhance spatial memory. Therefore, mAChRs are involved in the spatial memory-enhancing effect of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
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16
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Yoo JH, Lee SY, Loh HH, Ho IK, Jang CG. Altered emotional behaviors and the expression of 5-HT1A and M1 muscarinic receptors in ?-opioid receptor knockout mice. Synapse 2004; 54:72-82. [PMID: 15352132 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression alterations have been reported in micro-opioid receptor knockout mice after exon 2 disruption. However, emotional behaviors, such as novelty and emergence responses have not been reported in micro-opioid receptor knockout mice due to the disruptions of exon 2 and 3. Here, we report that mu-opioid receptor knockout mice, with deletion of exon 2 and 3, display significant emotional behavior changes; they showed less anxiety in the elevated plus maze and emergence tests, reduced response to novel stimuli in the novelty test, and less depressive-like behavior in the forced-swim test. Analysis of the compensatory mechanism in mu-opioid receptor knockout mice revealed that the M1 mRNA levels were reduced in the cortex, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus, and that M1 receptor levels were reduced in the nucleus accumbens, CA1, and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, versus the wild-type. However, 5-HT1A receptor levels were significantly elevated in the cerebral cortex and in the hypothalamus of mu-opioid receptor knockout mice versus the wild-type. These aberrant emotional behavioral phenotypes are possibly related to M1 and 5-HT1A receptor alterations in the micro-opioid receptor knockout mice. Overall, our study suggests that micro-opioid receptor may play a role in the modification of emotional responses to novelty, anxiety, and depression.
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MESH Headings
- 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin/pharmacokinetics
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Brain/anatomy & histology
- Brain/diagnostic imaging
- Emotions/physiology
- Exploratory Behavior/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Immobilization
- In Situ Hybridization/methods
- Maze Learning/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscarinic Antagonists/pharmacokinetics
- Pirenzepine/pharmacokinetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Radioligand Assay/methods
- Radionuclide Imaging
- Reaction Time/genetics
- Receptor, Muscarinic M1/genetics
- Receptor, Muscarinic M1/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/deficiency
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacokinetics
- Swimming/physiology
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hoon Yoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
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Ramírez-Lugo L, Miranda MI, Escobar ML, Espinosa E, Bermúdez-Rattoni F. The role of cortical cholinergic pre- and post-synaptic receptors in taste memory formation. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2003; 79:184-93. [PMID: 12591226 DOI: 10.1016/s1074-7427(02)00038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have implicated cholinergic activity in the mediation of learning and memory processes. However, the specific role of muscarinic receptors in memory formation mechanisms is less known. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of muscarinic antagonist M2 presynaptic receptor, AFDX-116 (0.5mM) and M1 and M3 post-synaptic receptor pirenzepine (100mM), as well as a non-selective muscarinic antagonist, scopolamine (136mM), in the insular cortex (IC) during acquisition and retrieval of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). In addition, we evaluate the effects of those antagonists in cortical ACh release by in vivo microdialysis and the effects on the induction of in vivo LTP in the BLA-IC projection. The results showed that the cortical microinjections of scopolamine and pirenzepine, but not AFDX-116, produced significant disruption in the acquisition of CTA, without effects during retrieval. Microinjections of scopolamine and AFDX-116 produced significant cortical ACh release, while infusions of pirenzepine did not produce any release. Application of scopolamine and pirenzepine diminished induction of LTP in the BLA-IC projection, but not AFDX-116, as compared with vehicle. The induction of BLA-CI LTP seems to be modulated by post-synaptic muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and not by pre-synaptic muscarinic receptors. These results suggest a differential involvement of cholinergic receptors during acquisition and retrieval of aversive memory formation, as well as a differential role of muscarinic receptors in the biochemical and electrophysiological processes that may underlay aversive memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Ramírez-Lugo
- Departamento de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, C.P. 04510 Mexico D.F., Mexico
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Ichikawa J, Chung YC, Li Z, Dai J, Meltzer HY. Cholinergic modulation of basal and amphetamine-induced dopamine release in rat medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Brain Res 2002; 958:176-84. [PMID: 12468043 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)03692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral evidence suggests that muscarinic/cholinergic inhibition of brain dopaminergic activity may be a useful principle for developing novel antipsychotic drugs (APDs). Thus, oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist, attenuates amphetamine-induced locomotor activity in rodents, an effect also produced by a wide variety of proven APDs, whereas scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, has the opposite effect. Since atypical APDs such as clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, ziprasidone and quetiapine, increase brain acetylcholine as well as dopamine (DA) release in a region-specific manner, their effects on cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission may also contribute to various actions of these drugs. Oxotremorine (0.5-1.5 mg/kg) dose-dependently and preferentially increased DA release in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), compared to the nucleus accumbens (NAC). However, S-(-)-scopolamine (0.5-1.5 mg/kg) produced similar increases in DA release in the mPFC, but the effect was much less than that of oxotremorine. Whereas a dose of S-(-)-scopolamine of 0.5 mg/kg comparably increased DA release in the mPFC and NAC, 1.5 mg/kg had no effect on DA release in the NAC. Oxotremorine-M (0.5 mg/kg), a M(1/4)-preferring agonist, also increased DA release in the mPFC, but not the NAC, an effect completely abolished by telenzepine (3 mg/kg), a M(1/4)-preferring antagonist, which by itself had no effect on DA release in either region. Oxotremorine (0.5, but not 1.5, mg/kg) attenuated amphetamine (1 mg/kg)-induced DA release in the NAC, whereas S-(-)-scopolamine did not. Oxotremorine (1.5 mg/kg) and S-(-)-scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg) modestly but significantly potentiated amphetamine (1 mg/kg)-induced DA release in the mPFC. These results suggest that stimulation of muscarinic receptors, in particular M(1/4), as indicated by the effect of oxotremorine-M and telenzepine, may preferentially increase cortical DA release and inhibit amphetamine-induced DA release in the NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Ichikawa
- Division of Psychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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19
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The novel nootropic compound DM232 (UNIFIRAM) ameliorates memory impairment in mice and rats. Drug Dev Res 2002. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.10055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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20
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Braida D, Pozzi M, Cavallini R, Sala M. 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) impairs eight-arm radial maze performance and arm entry pattern in rats. Behav Neurosci 2002; 116:298-304. [PMID: 11996315 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.116.2.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The recreational use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) in humans has been associated with memory impairment. The present study examined whether ecstasy impairs short- and long-term working memory and the pattern of arm entries in rats tested in the 8-arm radial maze with a 2-hr delay. After completing the training session, the rats were given a single dose of ecstasy (1, 2, or 3 mg/kg ip) 20 min before the test. The highest dose slightly affected short-term working memory. Under conditions of delay, there was a progressive deficit in long-term working memory, starting from 1 mg/kg. Under both test conditions, 2 and 3 mg/kg flattened the pattern of arm entry. None of the doses caused hyperlocomotion or stereotypy in the radial maze. These findings suggest that acute ecstasy mainly affects the long-term components of working memory and disrupts the pattern of arm entry in a way similar to serotonergic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Italy
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21
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Yamaguchi Y, Higashi M, Matsuno T, Kawashima S. Ameliorative effects of azaindolizinone derivative ZSET845 on scopolamine-induced deficits in passive avoidance and radial-arm maze learning in the rat. JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY 2001; 87:240-4. [PMID: 11885975 DOI: 10.1254/jjp.87.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Effects of ZSET845 (3,3-dibenzylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-(3H)-one), a newly synthesized cognitive enhancer, and donepezil and tacrine on the scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in rats were examined in passive avoidance and radial-arm maze tasks. ZSET845 (0.01 mg/kg) showed a greater ameliorative effect than donepezil (0.1 mg/kg) or tacrine (1 mg/kg) in the passive avoidance task. In the radial-arm maze task, ZSET845 (0.1 mg/kg) also showed a greater effect than donepezil (10 mg/kg) or tacrine (10 mg/kg). ZSET845 induced an increase in the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the hippocampus, suggesting that the ameliorative effects of ZSET845 are related to the increase in the ChAT activity in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yamaguchi
- Research Laboratory, Zenyaku Kogyo Co,Tokyo, Japan.
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22
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Abstract
Eptastigmine, a potent and long-lasting cholinesterase inhibitor on age-related memory deficits, was studied. Four groups of 3-, 18-, 23- and 27-month-old Wistar rats were first submitted to spontaneous motor activity evaluation and then trained in an eight-arm radial maze until they reached the criterion. The effect of introducing a 2-h delay between the fourth and fifth choices was then evaluated under the influence of acute oral dose of eptastigmine (0.5 mgkg(-1)) 120 min before the test. Eptastigmine reversed the impairment observed in vehicle-treated rats at all the tested ages. Two naive groups of 3- and 18-month-old rats were treated twice a day for 30 days with eptastigmine ( 0.25 mgkg(-1)p.o.) or vehicle and trained daily in the maze. Subchronic administration did not affect the performance in young rats, while in 18-month-old rats, the mean number of days needed to reach the criterion decreased and the percentage of animals reaching the criterion increased when compared to the vehicle group. The 18-month-old rats (ex-eptastigmine and ex-vehicle) were then allowed to age in their home cage without any further treatment for an additional 5 and 9 months, until they reached 23 and 27 months. The ex-eptastigmine rats tested at 23 months, without any treatment, showed better performance than that observed in ex-vehicle rats. When the same rats were tested again at 27 months of age, no difference was seen in comparison with ex-vehicle rats. Eptastigmine might, therefore, be helpful for correcting age-related memory impairment attributed to cholinergic hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Via Vanvitelli 32, Milan, 20129, Italy
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23
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Mishima K, Iwasaki K, Tsukikawa H, Matsumoto Y, Egashira N, Abe K, Egawa T, Fujiwara M. The scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial cognition parallels the acetylcholine release in the ventral hippocampus in rats. JAPANESE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY 2000; 84:163-73. [PMID: 11128039 DOI: 10.1254/jjp.84.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the relationship between the induction of spatial cognition impairment in the 8-arm radial maze task and regional changes (ventral hippocampus (VH), dorsal hippocampus, frontal cortex, and basolateral amygdala nucleus) in brain acetylcholine (ACh) release using microdialysis in rats treated with muscarinic (M) receptor antagonists. In a behavioral study, two M1 antagonists, scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p. and 20 microg, i.c.v.) and pirenzepine (80 microg, i.c.v.), but not an M2 antagonist, AF-DX116 (40-80 microg, i.c.v.), disrupted spatial cognition in the 8-arm radial maze task. In brain microdialysis with Ringer's solution containing 0.1 mM eserine sulfate, scopolamine and AF-DX116, but not pirenzepine, increased ACh release in the VH. Moreover, in the bilateral injection of scopolamine (2 microg/side), the VH and dorsomedial thalamus nucleus were important regions for scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial cognition. A simultaneous determination of the behavioral changes revealed that scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly decreased the ACh contents and also increased the ACh release in all regions tested. Especially, the changes in the ACh release of the VH closely paralleled the induction of the scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial cognition. These results suggest that the blocking balance between M1 and M2 muscarinic receptor in the VH therefore plays a major role in the spatial cognition impairment induced by scopolamine in the 8-arm radial maze task.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mishima
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Japan
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24
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Fornari RV, Moreira KM, Oliveira MG. Effects of the selective M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist dicyclomine on emotional memory. Learn Mem 2000; 7:287-92. [PMID: 11040260 PMCID: PMC311344 DOI: 10.1101/lm.34900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The nonselective muscarinic antagonist scopolamine is known to impair the acquisition of some learning tasks such as inhibitory avoidance. There has been recent research into the effects of this drug in contextual fear conditioning and tone fear conditioning paradigms. The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of the selective M1 muscarinic antagonist dicyclomine in these paradigms and in the inhibitory avoidance test. Rats were administered different doses of dicyclomine or saline 30 min before acquisition training. The animals were tested 24 hr later, and it was observed that 16 mg/kg of dicyclomine impaired both contextual fear conditioning and inhibitory avoidance. However, dicyclomine (up to 64 mg/kg) did not affect tone fear conditioning. These results suggest that the selective M1 muscarinic antagonist dicyclomine differentially affects aversively motivated tasks known to be dependent on hippocampal integrity (such as contextual fear conditioning and inhibitory avoidance) but does not affect similar hippocampus-independent tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Fornari
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros 925 CEP 04024-002, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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25
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Braida D, Sala M. Cannabinoid-induced working memory impairment is reversed by a second generation cholinesterase inhibitor in rats. Neuroreport 2000; 11:2025-9. [PMID: 10884065 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200006260-00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids which impair rat working memory appear to inhibit hippocampal extracellular acetylcholine (Ach) release and reduce choline uptake through an interaction with CB1 cannabinoid receptors. Here we report that CP 55,940, a potent bicyclic synthetic cannabinoid analog, dose-dependently impaired rat performance, when given i.p. 20 min before an eight-arm radial maze test. The selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR 141716A, given i.p. 20 min earlier, significantly reduced the memory deficit Pretreatment with eptastigmine, a second generation cholinesterase inhibitor, given orally 100 min before the cannabinoid agonist, relieved the memory impairment without affecting CP 55,940-induced behavioural alterations such as reduced spontaneous motor activity, analgesia and hind limb splaying. These data suggest that cannabinoid-induced working memory impairment is mediated through a central cholinergic blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Italy
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26
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Ghelardini C, Galeotti N, Matucci R, Bellucci C, Gualtieri F, Capaccioli S, Quattrone A, Bartolini A. Antisense 'knockdowns' of M1 receptors induces transient anterograde amnesia in mice. Neuropharmacology 1999; 38:339-48. [PMID: 10219972 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(98)00194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The effect on memory processes of inactivation of the M1 gene by an antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (aODN) was investigated in the mouse passive avoidance test. Mice received a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of M1 aODN (0.3, 1.0 or 2.0 nmol per injection), degenerated ODN (dODN) or vehicle on days 1, 4 and 7. An amnesic effect, comparable to that produced by antimuscarinic drugs, was observed 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the last i.c.v. aODN injection, whereas dODN and vehicle, used as controls, did not produce any effect. Reduction in the entrance latency to the dark compartment induced by aODN disappeared 7 days after the end of aODN treatment, which indicates the absence of any irreversible damage or toxicity caused by aODN. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that a decrease in M1 mRNA levels occurred only in the aODN-treated group, being absent in all control groups. Furthermore, a reduction in M1 receptors was observed in the hippocampus of aODN-treated mice. Neither aODN, dODN nor vehicle produced any behavioral impairment of mice. These results indicate that the integrity and functionality of M1 receptors are fundamental in the modulation of memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ghelardini
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Italy.
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27
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The effect of a new 9-aminoacridine derivative on working and long-term memory in rats. Bull Exp Biol Med 1999. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02433109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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28
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Braida D, Paladini E, Griffini P, Lamperti M, Colibretti L, Sala M. Long-lasting antiamnesic effect of a novel anticholinesterase inhibitor (MF268). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1998; 59:897-901. [PMID: 9586846 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(97)00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study a short (120 min) and long-lasting (360 min) antagonism of scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats was investigated in an eight-arm radial maze, by (3a S, 8a R)-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-5-o l[8-(cis2,6-dimethyl-morpholin-4-yl)octyl]-carbamate L-bitartrate hydrate (MF268), a new cholinesterase inhibitor. Upon completing the training session, the rats were orally administered increasing doses of MF268 (2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 mg/kg) 60 min prior to s.c. injection of scopolamine (0.25 mg/kg). Following a further 60 min the rat was placed in the maze. The reversal of scopolamine-induced impairment was characterized by an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. A significant reduction in the number of errors, and time taken to complete the maze was observed with a dose of 6 mg/kg. The compound improved memory retention without affecting scopolamine-induced hypermotility. When the same dose was administered 360 min prior to the test a significant reduction in the number of amnesic animals was observed, whereas no cognitive improvement was detected when either 1-Benzil-4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]-methyl piperidine hydrochloride (E2020) (0.25 mg/kg) or tacrine (0.5 mg/kg) were administered 360 min prior to the test. The kinetics of whole-brain cholinesterase confirmed the long-lasting activity for MF268. A clinical relevance for the use of MF268 in AD treatment is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
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29
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Roldán G, Bolaños-Badillo E, González-Sánchez H, Quirarte GL, Prado-Alcalá RA. Selective M1 muscarinic receptor antagonists disrupt memory consolidation of inhibitory avoidance in rats. Neurosci Lett 1997; 230:93-6. [PMID: 9259472 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(97)00489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The effect of three different M1 muscarinic antagonists, pirenzepine, biperiden, and trihexyphenidyl on memory consolidation was investigated. Rats were trained in a one-trial step-through inhibitory avoidance task and injected intraperitoneally immediately afterwards, either with pirenzepine, biperiden, or trihexyphenidyl (dose range from 0 to 16 mg/kg). The non-selective antimuscarinic compound scopolamine, was also administered for comparison. One day later, rats were tested for retention. Results show that biperiden, trihexyphenidyl and scopolamine produced a dose-dependent impairment of inhibitory avoidance consolidation, while pirenzepine had no effect. The amnestic state produced by biperiden and trihexyphenidyl was comparable to that observed after the administration of scopolamine. These results indicate that the selective blockade of the central M1 muscarinic receptors interfere with memory consolidation of inhibitory avoidance and suggest that this receptor subtype is critically involved in mnemonic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Roldán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico.
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30
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Yamaguchi Y, Higashi M, Kobayashi H. Effects of ginsenosides on maze performance and brain choline acetyltransferase activity in scopolamine-treated young rats and aged rats. Eur J Pharmacol 1997; 329:37-41. [PMID: 9218681 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(97)10115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In young adult rats with scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment, choline acetyltransferase activity was increased in the medial septum, but not in the diagonal band, caudate and hippocampus, 30 min after the injection of ginsenosides Rg1 or Re. Rb1 and Rd had no effect on choline acetyltransferase activity. Aged rats showed a smaller number of initial correct responses in the radial-arm maze and a lower choline acetyltransferase activity in the medial septum, diagonal band, caudate and hippocampus than did young adult rats. Repeated i.p. injections of Rg1 increased the number of initial correct responses and the activity of choline acetyltransferase in the medial septum, but not in the diagonal band, caudate and hippocampus, in aged rats. These results suggest that Rg1 and Re may contribute the ameliorative effects through an increase of choline acetyltransferase activity in the medial septum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yamaguchi
- Research Laboratory, Zenyaku Kogyo, Co., Ltd., Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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31
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Ukai M, Itoh J, Kobayashi T, Shinkai N, Kameyama T. Effects of the kappa-opioid dynorphin A(1-13) on learning and memory in mice. Behav Brain Res 1997; 83:169-72. [PMID: 9062678 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(97)86063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of dynorphin A(1-13) on scopolamine- and pirenzepine-induced amnesia were investigated in mice by observing the step-down-type passive avoidance response and spontaneous alternation performance. The pre- or post-training, or preretention administration of dynorphin A(1-13) (0.3-10 micrograms) alone failed to affect the passive avoidance response, while scopolamine (1 mg/kg) significantly inhibited it. Dynorphin A(1-13) (1 microgram) given 15 min before training and retention tests, but not immediately after training, significantly improved the scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced impairment of passive avoidance response, indicating the anti-amnesic effects of dynorphin A(1-13). A lower dose (1 mg/kg) of the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist (-)-(1R,5R,9R)-5,9-diethyl-2-(3-furyl-methyl)-2'-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorpha n reversed the anti-amnesic effects of dynorphin A(1-13) (1 microgram). In contrast, although dynorphin A(1-13) (1, 3 and 10 micrograms) did not influence spontaneous alternation performance, scopolamine (1 mg/kg) and the muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist pirenzepine (3 micrograms) markedly decreased spontaneous alternation performance. Dynorphin A(1-13) (3, 5.6 and/or 10 micrograms) significantly improved the scopolamine (1 mg/kg)- and pirenzepine (3 micrograms)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance. The improving effects of dynorphin A(1-13) (3 micrograms) were almost completely reversed by pretreatment with nor-binaltorphimine (4 micrograms), a kappa-selective opioid receptor antagonist. These results suggest that the stimulation of kappa-opioid receptors improves memory dysfunctions resulting from the blockade of muscarinic M1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ukai
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
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32
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Braida D, Paladini E, Griffini P, Lamperti M, Maggi A, Sala M. An inverted U-shaped curve for heptylphysostigmine on radial maze performance in rats: comparison with other cholinesterase inhibitors. Eur J Pharmacol 1996; 302:13-20. [PMID: 8790986 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(96)00072-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The potential of heptylphysostigmine tartrate (pyrrolo [2,3b] indol-5-ol, 3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylheptylcarbamate [ester, (3aS-cis)]) (MF201), a new second-generation cholinesterase inhibitor, to antagonize scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats was assessed in an 8-arm radial maze. Upon completing the training session, the rats were orally administered increasing doses of MF201 (2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg) 60 min prior to a s.c. injection of scopolamine (0.25 mg/kg). 9-Amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroamino-acridine hydrochloride hydrate (tacrine) (0.25, 0.37, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg), 1-benzil-4-[(5,6-dimethoxy-1-indanon)-2-yl]-methyl piperidine (E2020) (0.125, 0.18, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) and physostigmine (0.15, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) were orally administered and rats were tested in the same task. As previously described, scopolamine induced an impairment in radial maze performance, measured in terms of total number of errors, total time taken to complete the task and the percentage of amnesic animals. The reversal of scopolamine-induced impairment was characterized by the presence of an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. A significant antagonistic effect was achieved with a dose (mg/kg) of 0.25 for E2020, 0.5 for tacrine and physostigmine and 3, 4 and 6 for MF201, the latter manifesting a broader spectrum of activity (3-6 mg/kg). While the maximal active doses restored the scopolamine-induced modified pattern of arm entry, they were ineffective in reducing hypermotility, suggesting the drugs have a specific effect on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
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33
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Ukai M, Shinkai N, Kameyama T. Cholinergic receptor agonists inhibit pirenzepine-induced dysfunction of spontaneous alternation performance in the mouse. GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY 1995; 26:1529-32. [PMID: 8690240 DOI: 10.1016/0306-3623(95)00038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
1. The present study was designed to examine the effects of intracerebroventricular injection of several cholinergic drugs on the impairment of spontaneous alternation performance induced by the M1-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine. 2. Pirenzepine (3 and 10 micrograms) significantly reduced spontaneous alteration performance related to working memory without producing any marked increase in total arm entries, which are considered to reflect locomotor activity. 3. Physostigmine (3.47 micrograms), a cholinesterase inhibitor, and McN-A-343 (20 micrograms), and M1-selective muscarinic receptor agonist, significantly improved the pirenzepine (3 micrograms)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance, although oxotremorine (0.68 microgram), a nonselective muscarinic receptor agonist, showed a tendency to reverse the pirenzepine (3 micrograms)-induced impairment. 4. These findings suggest that the blockade of muscarinic M1 but not M2 receptors results in the impairment of spontaneous alternation performance associated with working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ukai
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
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34
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Vitális B, Bakonyi A, Csillik-Perczel V, Horváth E, Horváth K, Máté I, Székely JI, Yemane T, Abraham G, Sólyom S, Hársing LG. The Pharmacology of GYKI-46 903, a New Cognition Enhancer. CNS DRUG REVIEWS 1995. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.1995.tb00280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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35
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Ukai M, Shinkai N, Kameyama T. kappa-Opioid receptor agonists improve pirenzepine-induced disturbance of spontaneous alternation performance in the mouse. Eur J Pharmacol 1995; 281:173-8. [PMID: 7589204 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(95)00239-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of kappa-opioid receptor agonists such as dynorphin A-(1-13) and U-50,488H on the muscarinic M1-selective receptor antagonist pirenzepine (3 micrograms, i.c.v.)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance in the mouse. Although dynorphin A-(1-13)(1-5.6 micrograms, i.c.v.) or U-50,488H ((+/-)trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]- benzeneacetamide, methanesulfonate hydrate) (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.) alone did not influence either spontaneous alternation performance or total arm entries, pirenzepine (3 micrograms, i.c.v.) impaired spontaneous alternation performance without producing any significant change in total arm entries. In contrast, dynorphin A-(1-13) (3 and 5.6 micrograms, i.c.v.) and U-50,488H (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) ameliorated the pirenzepine (3 micrograms, i.c.v.)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performance. The ameliorating effects of dynorphin A-(1-13)(3 micrograms, i.c.v.) and U-50,488H (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) were almost completely reversed by pretreatment with nor-binaltorphimine (4 micrograms, i.c.v.), a kappa-opioid receptor antagonist. These results suggest that the stimulation of kappa-opioid receptors improves memory dysfunctions resulting from the blockade of muscarinic M1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ukai
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
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Smith TD, Gallagher M, Leslie FM. Cholinergic binding sites in rat brain: analysis by age and cognitive status. Neurobiol Aging 1995; 16:161-73. [PMID: 7777134 DOI: 10.1016/0197-4580(94)00156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related alterations in the density of cholinergic receptor binding and reuptake sites were examined in discrete forebrain regions of behaviorally tested rats using quantitative autoradiography. Neurochemical changes associated with chronological age alone were distinguished from memory-dependent alterations by correlating density of binding sites with performance in the Morris water maze task. An initial analysis of tritium quenching indicated no reliable differential quenching in the study population. Modest age-related reductions in selected subtypes of cholinergic binding sites in basal forebrain, basal ganglia, and thalamus were observed. However, these reductions were not correlated with a spatial memory deficit. In contrast, no significant changes in the analysis by chronological age were detected for the density of [3H]hemicholinium binding to high affinity choline uptake sites or [3H]pirenzepine binding to M1 receptors in any brain region but strong correlations were found between behavioral performance of aged rats and density of these sites in dorsal hippocampal subfield CA3 and dentate gyrus. These findings indicate the value of combined neurobiological/behavioral assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92717, USA
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37
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Abstract
Neuromodulators including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and a range of peptides alter the processing characteristics of cortical networks through effects on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, on the adaptation of cortical pyramidal cells, on membrane potential, on the rate of synaptic modification, and on other cortical parameters. Computational models of self-organization and associative memory function in cortical structures such as the hippocampus, piriform cortex and neocortex provide a theoretical framework in which the role of these neuromodulatory effects can be analyzed. Neuromodulators such as acetylcholine and norepinephrine appear to enhance the influence of synapses from afferent fibers arising outside the cortex relative to the synapses of intrinsic and association fibers arising from other cortical pyramidal cells. This provides a continuum between a predominant influence of external stimulation to a predominant influence of internal recall (extrinsic vs. intrinsic). Modulatory influence along this continuum may underlie effects described in terms of learning and memory, signal to noise ratio, and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Hasselmo
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Yamaguchi T, Suzuki M, Yamamoto M. YM796, a novel muscarinic agonist, improves the impairment of learning behavior in a rat model of chronic focal cerebral ischemia. Brain Res 1995; 669:107-14. [PMID: 7712153 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)01268-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We studied effects of YM796, a novel muscarinic agonist, on behavioral, histological and regional cerebral blood flow changes in the chronic phase after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. YM796 (0.03, 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day from the 7th to the 13th day after the permanent occlusion of left middle cerebral artery. On the 7th day, rats were trained in one-trial step-through passive avoidance task 45 min after drug administration. Test trials were carried out on the 8th and 14th days. Neurological deficits, including hemiplegia and abnormal posture, were observed on the 7th and 14th days. After the completion of behavioral studies, the rats were decapitated and cerebral infarction was measured. Regional cerebral blood flow was also measured by the hydrogen clearance technique 7 days after MCA occlusion. YM796 (0.1-1 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the impairment of learning behavior in a dose-dependent manner without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity. The ameliorating effect of YM796 (0.3 mg/kg) on the impaired learning behavior was significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed by intracerebroventricular injection of pirenzepine (10 micrograms/rat), an M1 antagonist. No significant difference in either neurological deficits or cerebral infarction was found between the vehicle- and YM796-treated groups. Further, YM796 (0.3 mg/kg) had little effect on the reduced blood flow in the ipsilateral frontal cortex 7 days after occlusion. These results suggest that YM796 improves the impaired learning behavior probably by activating central M1 receptors in a rat model of chronic focal cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yamaguchi
- Pharmacology Department, Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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Braida D, Gori E, Sala M. Relationship between morphine and etonitazene-induced working memory impairment and analgesia. Eur J Pharmacol 1994; 271:497-504. [PMID: 7705450 DOI: 10.1016/0014-2999(94)90811-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
An 8-arm radial maze task was used to assess the possible role of the opiate system in the spatial memory of the rat. Increasing doses of etonitazene (0.005-0.06 mg/kg i.p.) and morphine (2.5-100 mg/kg i.p.) significantly impaired performance in the working memory components of the task. For both drugs this impairment was linearly related to the log of the administered dose, and the log-dose relationships were parallel. The regression lines calculated for each parameter for both drugs were parallel thus allowing us to calculate the potency: etonitazene proved to about 1000 times more potent than morphine in terms of correct arm entries, the number of errors and the total time taken to complete the task. Moreover, the progressive cognitive impairment produced by both opiates was closely related to an increase in analgesic effect. Pretreatment with naloxone (5 mg/kg i.p.) completely antagonised the disruptive effect of the opiates on working memory. The importance of the mu subtype opiate receptor in cognitive processes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braida
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
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Andrews JS, Jansen JH, Linders S, Princen A. Effects of disrupting the cholinergic system on short-term spatial memory in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1994; 115:485-94. [PMID: 7871093 DOI: 10.1007/bf02245572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The effects of disrupting the muscarinic or nicotinic systems on short-term spatial memory were investigated using a delayed matching to position (DMTP) procedure. Rats were trained on the DMTP until stability and then divided into two groups: one group was implanted with an indwelling cannula aimed at the lateral ventricle. The cannulated group received injections of selective muscarinic antagonists (pirenzepine, M1; AFDX 116, M2; UH-AH 37, M1/M3) or hemicholinium-3 (a choline uptake inhibitor). The remaining animals were treated with conventional muscarinic antagonists (scopolamine, methyl scopolamine) or nicotinic channel blockers (mecamylamine, hexamethonium). Scopolamine, methyl scopolamine and UH-AH 37 disrupted all performance parameters in a non-specific but dose related manner. Pirenzepine disrupted accuracy in a delay, but not dose dependent manner, and exerted no other negative effects on performance. Hemicholinium-3-induced performance deficits showed some elements of effects seen following pirenzepine and scopolamine (delay dependent effects on accuracy, some negative effects on other motoric aspects of performance). AFDX 116 and hexamethonium had no significant effects on performance with respect to control. Mecamylamine reduced accuracy and increased response latencies at the highest dose tested. These data indicate that muscarinic antagonists are more effective at disrupting mnemonic performance than nicotinic blockers, and moreover, that distinct muscarinic receptors may have differential effects on cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Andrews
- Scientific Development Group, Organon International BV, Oss, The Netherlands
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Ohno M, Yamamoto T, Watanabe S. Blockade of hippocampal M1 muscarinic receptors impairs working memory performance of rats. Brain Res 1994; 650:260-6. [PMID: 7953691 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(94)91790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In order to clarify the roles of hippocampal M1 and M2 muscarinic receptors in working and reference memory performance of rats, the effects of intrahippocampal injections of selective antagonists at both receptors on this behavior were examined with a three-panel runway task. In the working memory task, the M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine, injected bilaterally at 0.32 and 1.0 microgram/side into the dorsal hippocampus, significantly increased the number of errors (attempts to pass through two incorrect panels of the three panel-gates at four choice points). This effect of intrahippocampal pirenzepine (1.0 microgram/side) on working memory was attenuated by concurrent injection of 10 micrograms/side AF102B, the selective M1 muscarinic receptor agonist. Intrahippocampal injection of the M2 muscarinic receptor antagonist methoctramine at doses up to 1.0 microgram/side had no significant effect on the number of working memory errors. Intrahippocampal methoctramine injection at 3.2 micrograms/side produced a significant increase in working memory errors, an effect that was reversed by concurrent injection of 10 micrograms/side AF102B. Concurrent injection of 0.32 microgram/side methoctramine significantly reduced the increase in working memory errors induced by intrahippocampal pirenzepine (1.0 microgram/side). In the reference memory task, neither pirenzepine nor methoctramine affected the number of errors when injected into the hippocampus at doses up to 1.0 and 3.2 micrograms/side, respectively. These results suggest that processes mediated by M1 muscarinic receptors in the hippocampus are involved in working memory, but not in reference memory, and that blockade of hippocampal M2 muscarinic receptors ameliorates working memory deficits produced by M1 muscarinic blockade, possibly by increasing acetylcholine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ohno
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Greene PL, Cassel JC, Kelche C, Jeltsch H, Bratt AM, Will BE. Differential behavioral effects of supracallosal and infracallosal lesions of the septohippocampal pathways: no ameliorative effects of oxotremorine or pilocarpine on radial-maze performance. BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL BIOLOGY 1994; 62:4-14. [PMID: 7945143 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-1047(05)80053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects in young adult female Long-Evans rats of single or combined lesions of the infracallosal and supracallosal septohippocampal pathways on a battery of behavioral tasks over two postoperative periods (14-65 and 75-150 days, respectively). During the first period, rats with lesions of the infracallosal pathways, whether given alone or in combination with lesions of the supracallosal pathways, were more active in the open field and in their home cage, and showed increased reactivity to novel extracage stimuli. Behavioral results during the second postoperative period were similar to those of the first except that rats with lesions of the infracallosal pathways (either alone or in combination with lesions of the supracallosal pathways) were no longer hyperactive in their home cage and rats with the infracallosal lesion alone were no longer hyperactive in the open field. We also observed in rats with lesions of the infracallosal pathways impaired performance in the radial-arm maze task, whether conducted under an uninterrupted protocol (first and second postoperative periods) or with a 1-min intratrial interruption (second postoperative period). Thus, behavioral deficits were observed only in rats with a lesion to the infracallosal component of the septohippocampal pathways, the behavior of rats with the combined lesions being similar to that of rats with single lesions of the infracallosal pathways in most measures. The behavior of rats with lesions of the supracallosal pathways did not differ from that of sham-operated controls in any measure at either postoperative period. Acute, systemic injections of oxotremorine (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg, ip) or pilocarpine (0.32 or 1.0 mg/kg, ip), two muscarinic agonists, did not affect radial-arm maze performance under either the uninterrupted or interrupted protocol. The use of nonspecific muscarinic agonists does not appear to be sufficient to enhance radial-arm maze performance in rats with infracallosal septohippocampal lesions which, in contrast to supracallosal lesions, were shown to induce a deficit in this task.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Greene
- LNBC, UPR419 du CNRS, Centre de Neurochimie, Strasbourg, France
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Hughes P, Dragunow M. Activation of pirenzepine-sensitive muscarinic receptors induces a specific pattern of immediate-early gene expression in rat brain neurons. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1994; 24:166-78. [PMID: 7968354 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(94)90129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that immediate-early gene transcription factors such as c-Fos, form part of an intracellular signalling pathway linking the activation of neuronal receptors by neurotransmitters to changes in neuronal gene expression. Recently it has been demonstrated that the centrally active muscarinic receptor agonist pilocarpine induces both c-fos mRNA and protein in rat brain. In this report using immunocytochemical and in situ hybridization techniques we demonstrate for the first time that in addition to c-fos, pilocarpine administration increases the neuronal expression of jun-B, krox-20 and krox-24 (zif-268) but not related c-jun and jun-D genes in rat cortex and hippocampus. Pretreatment of animals with atropine or pirenzepine significantly reduced induction of c-fos, jun-B, krox-20 and krox-24 genes in both hippocampus and cortex. These results show that activation of pirenzepine-sensitive muscarinic receptors results in a specific pattern of immediate-early gene expression in rat brain neurons. We suggest that the combinatorial complexity of immediate-early gene induction may allow receptor-specific control of gene expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hughes
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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