1
|
Hildebrand Karlén M, de Bejczy A, Anckarsäter H, Guðjónsson G. What does current science tell us about the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of intoxicated witnesses? A case example of the murder of a prime minister. Front Psychol 2022; 13:982992. [PMID: 36389524 PMCID: PMC9650999 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.982992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Generally, the testimony of intoxicated witnesses has been considered relatively unreliable, but recent research has nuanced the knowledge base regarding these vulnerable witnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Hildebrand Karlén
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department for Forensic Psychiatry, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Malin Hildebrand Karlén
| | - Andrea de Bejczy
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Anckarsäter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gísli Guðjónsson
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Business, Reykjavík University, Reykjavík, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crossland D, Kneller W, Wilcock R. Improving intoxicated witness recall with the Enhanced Cognitive Interview. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2213-2230. [PMID: 32382783 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05531-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Witnesses and victims typically provide the central leads in police investigations, yet statistics from past research indicates in many instances these individuals are intoxicated. OBJECTIVES To date, however, no research has looked at how best to interview such witnesses to maximise the amount of accurate information they recall. METHODS In the present research, whilst on a night out, participants watched a videoed theft whilst either sober or moderately (MBAC = 0.05%) or severely (MBAC = 0.14%) intoxicated. A week later, in a different location, participants were interviewed using either the Enhanced Cognitive (ECI) or Structured Interview. RESULTS The ECI was found to improve the recall accuracy and completeness of witness accounts across all three drinking conditions. However, no significant interaction was indicated between alcohol and interview condition. CONCLUSIONS The study findings are discussed in terms of their real-world value in aiding police officers to elicit as complete and as accurate an account as possible from intoxicated witnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Crossland
- Department of Psychology, The University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NR, UK.
| | - Wendy Kneller
- Department of Psychology, The University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Rachel Wilcock
- Department of Psychology, The University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NR, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Van Skike CE, Goodlett C, Matthews DB. Acute alcohol and cognition: Remembering what it causes us to forget. Alcohol 2019; 79:105-125. [PMID: 30981807 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Addiction has been conceptualized as a specific form of memory that appropriates typically adaptive neural mechanisms of learning to produce the progressive spiral of drug-seeking and drug-taking behavior, perpetuating the path to addiction through aberrant processes of drug-related learning and memory. From that perspective, to understand the development of alcohol use disorders, it is critical to identify how a single exposure to alcohol enters into or alters the processes of learning and memory, so that involvement of and changes in neuroplasticity processes responsible for learning and memory can be identified early. This review characterizes the effects produced by acute alcohol intoxication as a function of brain region and memory neurocircuitry. In general, exposure to ethanol doses that produce intoxicating effects causes consistent impairments in learning and memory processes mediated by specific brain circuitry, whereas lower doses either have no effect or produce a facilitation of memory under certain task conditions. Therefore, acute ethanol does not produce a global impairment of learning and memory, and can actually facilitate particular types of memory, perhaps particular types of memory that facilitate the development of excessive alcohol use. In addition, the effects on cognition are dependent on brain region, task demands, dose received, pharmacokinetics, and tolerance. Additionally, we explore the underlying alterations in neurophysiology produced by acute alcohol exposure that help to explain these changes in cognition and highlight future directions for research. Through understanding the impact that acute alcohol intoxication has on cognition, the preliminary changes potentially causing a problematic addiction memory can better be identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candice E Van Skike
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and The Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78245, United States
| | - Charles Goodlett
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Douglas B Matthews
- Division of Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, 54702, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oorsouw K, Broers NJ, Sauerland M. Alcohol intoxication impairs eyewitness memory and increases suggestibility: Two field studies. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Oorsouw
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Forensic Psychology SectionMaastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Nick J. Broers
- Department of Methodology and StatisticsMaastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Melanie Sauerland
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Forensic Psychology SectionMaastricht University Maastricht the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Evans JR, Schreiber Compo N, Carol RN, Nichols‐Lopez K, Holness H, Furton KG. The impact of alcohol intoxication on witness suggestibility immediately and after a delay. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R. Evans
- Department of PsychologyFlorida International University Miami Florida USA
- Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hildebrand Karlén M. Interviewing intoxicated witnesses: Memory performance in theory and practice. Scand J Psychol 2017; 59:113-126. [PMID: 29152755 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Memory encoding and recall involving complex, effortful cognitive processes are impaired by alcohol primarily due to impairment of a select few, but crucial, cortical areas. This review shows how alcohol affects some, but not all, aspects of eyewitnesses' oral free recall performance. The principal results, so far, are that: a) free recall reports by intoxicated witnesses (at the investigated BAC-levels) may contain less, but as accurate, information as reports by sober witnesses; b) immediate reports given by intoxicated witnesses may yield more information compared to reports by sober witnesses given after a one week delay; c) an immediate interview may enhance both intoxicated and sober witnesses' ability to report information in a later interview; and d) reminiscence seems to occur over repeated interviews and the new information seems to be as accurate as the previously reported information. Based on this, recommendations are given for future research to enhance understanding of the multifaceted impact of alcohol on witnesses' oral free recall of violent crimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malin Hildebrand Karlén
- National Board of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Psychiatric Unit, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, The Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evans JR, Schreiber Compo N, Carol RN, Schwartz BL, Holness H, Rose S, Furton KG. Alcohol Intoxication and Metamemory: Little Evidence that Moderate Intoxication Impairs Metacognitive Monitoring Processes. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Rose
- University Medical and Forensic Consultants, Inc.; Palm City USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hildebrand Karlén M, Roos Af Hjelmsäter E, Fahlke C, Granhag PA, Söderpalm-Gordh A. To wait or not to wait? Improving results when interviewing intoxicated witnesses to violence. Scand J Psychol 2017; 58:15-22. [PMID: 28054379 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Witnesses to violent crimes are often alcohol intoxicated, but few studies have investigated the impact of alcohol on witness reports. This study investigated how alcohol intoxication and time of interview affected reports of intimate partner violence (IPV). One hundred thirty six healthy men (N = 66) and women (N = 70) were randomized to an alcohol group (0.8g/kg for men, 0.75g/kg for women) (N = 70) or control group (N = 66), given juice. Participants consumed drinks in a laboratory setting before they witnessed an IPV scenario. Fifty percent of the intoxicated and sober participants were interviewed ten minutes after viewing the film and all participants were interviewed one week later. For the analyses, participants in the alcohol group were divided into two groups (moderately/highly intoxicated) based on their BAC-level. Ten minutes after viewing the event, highly (BAC = 0.08-0.15) intoxicated witnesses gave shorter, but as accurate, reports as moderately intoxicated/sober witnesses. All witnesses gave shorter and less accurate reports one week later compared to immediately after. However, an immediate interview increased completeness one week later. In general, time and high intoxication made witnesses give less detailed accounts of actions and verbal information, but not of objects. Highly intoxicated witnesses reported less actions and verbal information in all interviews, while information regarding objects was reported to a similar extent. At the present BAC-level, it is beneficial to conduct an immediate free recall interview with intoxicated witnesses to obtain a maximum amount of correct information and minimize the negative effect of time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Fahlke
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pär Anders Granhag
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Norwegian Police University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Söderpalm-Gordh
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nguyen-Louie TT, Buckman JF, Ray S, Bates ME. Drinkers' memory bias for alcohol picture cues in explicit and implicit memory tasks. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 160:90-6. [PMID: 26811126 PMCID: PMC4855832 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol cues can bias attention and elicit emotional reactions, especially in drinkers. Yet, little is known about how alcohol cues affect explicit and implicit memory processes, and how memory for alcohol cues is affected by acute alcohol intoxication. METHODS Young adult participants (N=161) were randomly assigned to alcohol, placebo, or control beverage conditions. Following beverage consumption, they were shown neutral, emotional and alcohol-related pictures cues. Participants then completed free recall and repetition priming tasks to test explicit and implicit memory, respectively, for picture cues. Average blood alcohol concentration for the alcohol group was 74±13mg/dl when memory testing began. Two mixed linear model analyses were conducted to examine the effects of beverage condition, picture cue type, and their interaction on explicit and implicit memory. RESULTS Picture cue type and beverage condition each significantly affected explicit recall of picture cues, whereas only picture cue type significantly influenced repetition priming. Individuals in the alcohol condition recalled significantly fewer pictures than those in other conditions, regardless of cue type. Both free recall and repetition priming were greater for emotional and alcohol-related cues compared to neutral picture cues. No interaction effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS Young adult drinkers showed enhanced explicit and implicit memory processing of alcohol cues compared to emotionally neutral cues. This enhanced processing for alcohol cues was on par with that seen for positive emotional cues. Acute alcohol intoxication did not alter this preferential memory processing for alcohol cues over neutral cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tam T Nguyen-Louie
- Center of Alcohol Studies, 607 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Jennifer F Buckman
- Center of Alcohol Studies, 607 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Suchismita Ray
- Center of Alcohol Studies, 607 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Marsha E Bates
- Center of Alcohol Studies, 607 Allison Road, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Crossland D, Kneller W, Wilcock R. Intoxicated Witnesses: Testing the Validity of the Alcohol Myopia Theory. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
11
|
The effects of acute alcohol intoxication on the cognitive mechanisms underlying false facial recognition. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2139-2149. [PMID: 26976505 PMCID: PMC4863922 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE False face recognition rates are sometimes higher when faces are learned while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol myopia theory (AMT) proposes that acute alcohol intoxication during face learning causes people to attend to only the most salient features of a face, impairing the encoding of less salient facial features. Yet, there is currently no direct evidence to support this claim. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to test whether acute alcohol intoxication impairs face learning by causing subjects to attend to a salient (i.e., distinctive) facial feature over other facial features, as per AMT. METHODS We employed a balanced placebo design (N = 100). Subjects in the alcohol group were dosed to achieve a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.06 %, whereas the no alcohol group consumed tonic water. Alcohol expectancy was controlled. Subjects studied faces with or without a distinctive feature (e.g., scar, piercing). An old-new recognition test followed. Some of the test faces were "old" (i.e., previously studied), and some were "new" (i.e., not previously studied). We varied whether the new test faces had a previously studied distinctive feature versus other familiar characteristics. RESULTS Intoxicated and sober recognition accuracy was comparable, but subjects in the alcohol group made more positive identifications overall compared to the no alcohol group. CONCLUSIONS The results are not in keeping with AMT. Rather, a more general cognitive mechanism appears to underlie false face recognition in intoxicated subjects. Specifically, acute alcohol intoxication during face learning results in more liberal choosing, perhaps because of an increased reliance on familiarity.
Collapse
|
12
|
Inert gas narcosis disrupts encoding but not retrieval of long term memory. Physiol Behav 2015; 144:46-51. [PMID: 25725120 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to increased ambient pressure causes inert gas narcosis of which one symptom is long-term memory (LTM) impairment. Narcosis is posited to impair LTM by disrupting information encoding, retrieval (self-guided search), or both. The effect of narcosis on the encoding and retrieval of LTM was investigated by testing the effect of learning-recall pressure and levels of processing (LoP) on the free-recall of word lists in divers underwater. All participants (n=60) took part in four conditions in which words were learnt and then recalled at either low pressure (1.4-1.9atm/4-9msw) or high pressure (4.4-5.0atm/34-40msw), as manipulated by changes in depth underwater: low-low (LL), low-high(LH), high-high (HH), and high-low (HL). In addition, participants were assigned to either a deep or shallow processing condition, using LoP methodology. Free-recall memory ability was significantly impaired only when words were initially learned at high pressure (HH & HL conditions). When words were learned at low pressure and then recalled at low pressure (LL condition) or high pressure (LH condition) free-recall was not impaired. Although numerically superior in several conditions, deeper processing failed to significantly improve free-recall ability in any of the learning-recall conditions. This pattern of results support the hypothesis that narcosis disrupts encoding of information into LTM, while retrieval appears to be unaffected. These findings are discussed in relation to similar effects reported by some memory impairing drugs and the practical implications for workers in pressurised environments.
Collapse
|
13
|
Alcohol-induced retrograde memory impairment in rats: prevention by caffeine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 201:361-71. [PMID: 18758756 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ethanol and caffeine are two of the most widely consumed drugs in the world, often used in the same setting. Animal models may help to understand the conditions under which incidental memories formed just before ethanol intoxication might be lost or become difficult to retrieve. OBJECTIVES Ethanol-induced retrograde amnesia was investigated using a new odor-recognition test. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats thoroughly explored a wood bead taken from the cage of another rat, and habituated to this novel odor (N1) over three trials. Immediately following habituation, rats received saline, 25 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol (a seizure-producing agent known to cause retrograde amnesia) to validate the test, 1.0 g/kg ethanol, or 3.0 g/kg ethanol. The next day, they were presented again with N1 and also a bead from a new rat's cage (N2). RESULTS Rats receiving saline or the lower dose of ethanol showed overnight memory for N1, indicated by preferential exploration of N2 over N1. Rats receiving pentylenetetrazol or the higher dose of ethanol appeared not to remember N1, in that they showed equal exploration of N1 and N2. Caffeine (5 mg/kg), delivered either 1 h after the higher dose of ethanol or 20 min prior to habituation to N1, negated ethanol-induced impairment of memory for N1. A combination of a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and an adenosine A(2A) antagonist, mimicking two major mechanisms of action of caffeine, likewise prevented the memory impairment, though either drug alone had no such effect. Binge alcohol can induce retrograde, caffeine-reversible disruption of social odor memory storage or recall.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sim YJ, Kim H, Shin MS, Chang HK, Shin MC, Ko IG, Kim KJ, Kim TS, Kim BK, Rhim YT, Kim S, Park HY, Yi JW, Lee SJ, Kim CJ. Effect of postnatal treadmill exercise on c-Fos expression in the hippocampus of rat pups born from the alcohol-intoxicated mothers. Brain Dev 2008; 30:118-25. [PMID: 17723286 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2005] [Revised: 07/04/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Maternal alcohol-intoxication during pregnancy exerts detrimental effects on fetal development and is known to influence learning ability and memory capability by altering neuronal activity in the hippocampus. c-Fos expression represents neuronal activity and plays a crucial role in the brain development. Physical exercise is known to enhance neuronal plasticity and activity. In the present study, we investigated the influence of postnatal treadmill running on the c-Fos expression in the hippocampus of rat pups born from the alcohol-intoxicated mothers. The results obtained show that maternal alcohol-intoxication suppressed c-Fos expression in the hippocampus of rat pups and that postnatal treadmill exercise enhanced c-Fos expression in the hippocampus of these rat pups. The present study suggests that exercise should be considered as a therapeutic means of countering the effects of maternal alcohol-intoxication, and that it may provide a useful strategy for enhancing the neuronal activity of children born from the mothers who abuse alcohol during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Je Sim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gulick D, Gould TJ. Acute ethanol has biphasic effects on short- and long-term memory in both foreground and background contextual fear conditioning in C57BL/6 mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2007; 31:1528-37. [PMID: 17760787 PMCID: PMC2744497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2007.00458.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol is a frequently abused, addictive drug that impairs cognitive function. Ethanol may disrupt cognitive processes by altering attention, short-term memory, and/or long-term memory. Interestingly, some research suggests that ethanol may enhance cognitive processes at lower doses. The current research examined the dose-dependent effects of ethanol on contextual and cued fear conditioning. In addition, the present studies assessed the importance of stimulus salience in the effects of ethanol and directly compared the effects of ethanol on short-term and long-term memory. METHODS This study employed both foreground and background fear conditioning, which differ in the salience of contextual stimuli, and tested conditioning at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 1 week in order to assess the effects of ethanol on short-term and long-term memory. Foreground conditioning consisted of 2 presentations of a foot shock unconditioned stimulus (US) (2 seconds, 0.57 mA). Background conditioning consisted of 2 auditory conditioned stimulus (30 seconds, 85 dB white noise)-foot shock (US; 2 seconds, 0.57 mA) pairings. RESULTS For both foreground and background conditioning, ethanol enhanced short-term and long-term memory for contextual and cued conditioning at a low dose (0.25 g/kg) and impaired short-term and long-term memory for contextual and cued conditioning at a high dose (1.0 g/kg). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ethanol has long-lasting, biphasic effects on short-term and long-term memory for contextual and cued conditioning. Furthermore, the effects of ethanol on contextual fear conditioning are independent of the salience of the context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Gulick
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nutt DJ, Besson M, Wilson SJ, Dawson GR, Lingford-Hughes AR. Blockade of alcohol's amnestic activity in humans by an alpha5 subtype benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist. Neuropharmacology 2007; 53:810-20. [PMID: 17888460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2006] [Revised: 08/06/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol produces many subjective and objective effects in man including pleasure, sedation, anxiolysis, plus impaired eye movements and memory. In human volunteers we have used a newly available GABA-A/benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist that is selective for the alpha5 subtype (a5IA) to evaluate the role of this subtype in mediating these effects of alcohol on the brain. After pre-treatment with a5IA, we found almost complete blockade of the marked impairment caused by alcohol (mean breath concentration 150mg/100ml) of word list learning and partial but non-significant reversal of subjective sedation without effects on other measures such as intoxication, liking, and slowing of eye movements. This action was not due to alterations in alcohol kinetics and so provides the first proof of concept that selectively decreasing GABA-A receptor function at a specific receptor subtype can offset some actions of alcohol in humans. It also supports growing evidence for a key role of the alpha5 subtype in memory. Inverse agonists at other GABA-A receptor subtypes may prove able to reverse other actions of alcohol, and so offer a new approach to understanding the actions of alcohol in the human brain and in the treatment of alcohol related disorders in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Nutt
- Psychopharmacology Unit, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mintzer MΖ. The acute effects of alcohol on memory: A review of laboratory studies in healthy adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1515/ijdhd.2007.6.4.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
18
|
Garfinkel SN, Dienes Z, Duka T. The effect of alcohol and repetition at encoding on implicit and explicit false memories. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 188:498-508. [PMID: 16902771 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alcohol impairs explicit memory, whilst leaving implicit memory relatively intact. Less is known about its effects on false memories. AIM The present study examines the effects of alcohol on explicit and implicit false memories using study list repetition as a tool for modulating learning at encoding. METHODS Thirty-two participants were given either an alcohol (0.6 g/kg) or placebo beverage before undergoing an encoding phase consisting of 10 lists of nine associated words (veridical items). Each list was associated to a word, which was not presented at encoding (semantically associated non-studied lure; critical item), serving as the measure for false memory. Half of the lists were presented once, and half were repeated three times. The next day, participants underwent an implicit (stem completion and post hoc awareness measurements), and an explicit (free recall) task. RESULTS Alcohol decreased veridical and false explicit memory for singularly presented lists compared to placebo; no group difference existed for repeated lists. Implicit veridical memory was not affected by alcohol. Awareness memory measures demonstrated in placebo participants an increased ability with repetition in rejecting false memories. The reverse was found in intoxicated participants who with repetition accepted more false memories. CONCLUSION Alcohol appears to decrease semantic activation leading to a decline in false memories. Increased learning with repetition, which increases the rejection of false memories under placebo, is reversed under alcohol leading to a decrease in rejection of false memories. The latter effect of alcohol may be due to its ability to impair monitoring processes established at encoding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S N Garfinkel
- Department of Psychology School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mulligan NW, Lozito JP. An Asymmetry Between Memory Encoding and Retrieval. Revelation, Generation, and Transfer-Appropriate Processing. Psychol Sci 2006; 17:7-11. [PMID: 16371137 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer-appropriate-processing accounts of memory emphasize the similarity of encoding and retrieval processes, and imply that experimental manipulations should have similar effects on encoding and retrieval. Exceptions to this expectation are thus of great interest, but extant exceptions (produced by studies using divided attention, alcohol, and benzodiazepines) are debatable, single dissociations between encoding and retrieval. The present experiments demonstrate a reversed dissociation, in which the same variable produced opposite effects when implemented at encoding and retrieval. At encoding, participants either solved anagrams of study words or read intact study words. At retrieval, participants likewise solved anagrams or read intact words prior to making recognition memory judgments. Compared with reading intact words, solving anagrams at encoding enhanced later recognition accuracy, whereas solving anagrams at test impaired accuracy. These results were obtained with old/new decisions (Experiment 1) and with confidence ratings (Experiment 2).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil W Mulligan
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27599-3270, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Söderlund H, Parker ES, Schwartz BL, Tulving E. Memory encoding and retrieval on the ascending and descending limbs of the blood alcohol concentration curve. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 182:305-17. [PMID: 16160875 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0096-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 06/10/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Little is known about acute effects of alcohol on memory encoding and retrieval on different limbs (ascending and descending) of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) curve. OBJECTIVES This extensive experiment was designed to examine alcohol's effects on memory encoding and retrieval throughout a protracted drinking episode. METHODS In a 9-h session, male participants consumed either alcohol (1 ml/kg) or placebo (n = 32/32) over a period of 90 min and learned various materials in different memory tasks before, during, and after consuming the drinks, while their BAC levels were monitored. A week later, in a similar session, they were tested on learned materials before, during, and after drinking. Mood was assessed throughout both sessions. RESULTS Alcohol impaired recall of words more than recognition, and cued recall most severely. Perceptual priming and picture recognition were not affected by alcohol. Alcohol impaired encoding in cued recall, recognition of completed word fragments, and free recall regardless of limb, but impaired retrieval in word recognition only during the ascending BAC. Alcohol increased negative mood on the descending limb during the first session, and on the ascending limb during the second session. CONCLUSIONS Under naturalistic drinking conditions, alcohol's effects on memory depend on task, memory process, and limb of the BAC curve. The differential effects of alcohol on retrieval during the ascending and descending limbs demonstrate the importance of examining the differential effects on the two limbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Söderlund
- The Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, ON, M6A 2E1, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moulton PL, Petros TV, Apostal KJ, Park RV, Ronning EA, King BM, Penland JG. Alcohol-induced impairment and enhancement of memory: A test of the interference theory. Physiol Behav 2005; 85:240-5. [PMID: 15907955 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2003] [Revised: 03/03/2005] [Accepted: 03/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have found cognitive deficits related to alcohol consumption. However, few studies have studied cognitive performance when alcohol was administered after the to-be-remembered information was presented with memory testing occurring when participants are once again sober. The present study examined effects of alcohol on cognitive performance using a prose recall task during acute intoxication and a post-trial recall task for prose passages that had been presented before intoxication. Fifty-one men were given either 2.0 g/kg of 100 proof (50% absolute ethanol) vodka or a placebo. In the present study, evidence was found of acute alcohol impairment in prose memory, along with alcohol facilitation of memory on a post-trial task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Moulton
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 501 North Columbia, P.O. Box 9037, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Prediger RDS, Batista LC, Miyoshi E, Takahashi RN. Facilitation of short-term social memory by ethanol in rats is mediated by dopaminergic receptors. Behav Brain Res 2004; 153:149-57. [PMID: 15219716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2003.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2003] [Revised: 11/19/2003] [Accepted: 11/19/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol is a drug that has apparently opposite effects on memory processes depending on when it is given relative to the task, as well as the nature of the task under study. Recently, we demonstrated that acute low doses of ethanol (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, i.p.) improve the short-term social memory in rats in a specific and time-dependent manner, and that this action is, at least in part, related to opioid, but not to muscarinic receptors. In the present study, we evaluated whether this positive effect of ethanol on the short-term memory of rats is related to a reducing impact of interference during the task through two different procedures: the introduction of an unfamiliar juvenile rat or the placing of the adult rat in the open field during the inter-exposure interval. The actions of reserpine (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg, s.c.), haloperidol (0.05 and 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.), the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (20.0 and 50.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg, s.c.) and their interaction with ethanol (1.0 g/kg, i.p.) in relation to short-term memory were also studied. The administration of ethanol (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), immediately after the end of the first presentation, did not reduce the effect on social memory of the introduction of an unfamiliar juvenile or placing the adult rat in the open field during the inter-exposure interval. The facilitatory effect of ethanol on social memory was inhibited by the pretreatment with reserpine and it was antagonized by the administration of haloperidol or sulpiride, but not by SCH 23390. These results indicate that the facilitation of short-term social memory by ethanol is not related to a reduction in the deleterious impact of interference and that this action of ethanol is mediated, at least in part, by D2 receptors, but not by D1 dopaminergic receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui D S Prediger
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rua Ferreira Lima 82, 88015-420 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ray S, Bates ME, Ely BM. Alcohol's dissociation of implicit and explicit memory processes: implications of a parallel distributed processing model of semantic priming. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2004; 12:118-25. [PMID: 15122956 DOI: 10.1037/1064-1297.12.2.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol's dissociation of implicit (unintentional) and explicit (intentional) memory processes in social drinkers was examined. It was hypothesized that an alcohol challenge would lower the percentage of words recalled and result in more retroactive interference in explicit recall tasks but would not lengthen reaction time in an implicit semantic priming task involving highly semantically similar words. Men and women completed all memory tasks in each of 2 counterbalanced sessions (alcohol challenge vs. no-alcohol) separated by 1 week. Alcohol significantly degraded processing in both explicit memory tasks, yet implicit semantic priming remained intact. A parallel distributed processing model that simulates semantic memory is presented. When this system is strongly activated, it does not appear to be altered during moderate alcohol intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suchismita Ray
- Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Falleti MG, Maruff P, Collie A, Darby DG, McStephen M. Qualitative similarities in cognitive impairment associated with 24 h of sustained wakefulness and a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. J Sleep Res 2004; 12:265-74. [PMID: 14633237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2003.00363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies that have quantified fatigue-related cognitive impairment as blood alcohol concentration (BAC) equivalents have been limited by two issues: the effect of practice on tests of cognition and, more importantly, the statistic used to quantify change in cognitive performance. The current study addressed these issues by adopting an ABACA design, which allowed for the adequate control of practice effects, and by using effect size metrics, which enabled direct comparisons to be made in performance impairments as a result of fatigue (i.e. sustained wakefulness of 24 h) and alcohol (i.e. BAC of 0.05%). Cognitive performance under the fatigue and alcohol conditions required the use of the CogState battery. It was demonstrated that fatigue caused greater impairment than alcohol on the speed of continuous attention and memory and learning, and on the accuracy of complex matching. Alcohol was more detrimental than fatigue only on the accuracy of memory and learning. Performances on the remaining tasks were the same for both the fatigue and alcohol conditions. These differences and similarities in performance impairment are discussed emphasizing the deleterious cognitive effects of relatively short periods of sustained wakefulness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina G Falleti
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora Centre for Neuroscience, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Knowles SKZ, Duka T. Does alcohol affect memory for emotional and non-emotional experiences in different ways? Behav Pharmacol 2004; 15:111-21. [PMID: 15096911 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200403000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol has been shown to have both impairing and facilitating effects on memory, depending on the sequencing of learning and ingestion of the drug. Its effects on memory for emotional material, however, have not been shown reliably. The current experiment sought to investigate the effects of alcohol on later recall of emotional and neutral events experienced before and after alcohol drinking. Using an incidental-learning paradigm, alcohol (0.65 g/kg) or placebo was administered in a double-blind randomized design to 34 participants, between two learning phases in which they viewed and rated positive, negative and neutral images. The drug's effects on memory were assessed in a surprise test of free recall. In addition, impact of alcohol on ratings of mood states, and of valence and arousal that the pictures evoked, was examined. Alcohol facilitated memory for material seen before, and impaired memory for material seen after, its administration. Furthermore, under alcohol, emotional images in the first set were more recalled over neutral than in the second set, indicating a higher retrograde facilitation for emotional than for neutral material. Alcohol improved positive mood states but had no effect on negative mood states. Evaluation of pictures with regard to valence showed an increase of the ratings for the positive and neutral images after alcohol and a decrease after placebo. No drug effects were found for arousal ratings. Whether a picture was likely to be remembered or not (tested only for set 2) was dependent on the intensity of the arousal but not of the valence that the picture evoked in the participants. Pictures that were rated high in arousal were also remembered better, and this effect was irrespective of alcohol or placebo ingestion. These data have shown that alcohol elicits retrograde facilitation and anterograde impairment for emotional materials. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that alcohol selectively facilitates memories for emotional events experienced before administration, and suggest a possible explanation for the reinforcing effects of drinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Z Knowles
- Department of Psychology, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Traditional theories of forgetting are wedded to the notion that cue-overload interference procedures (often involving the A-B, A-C list-learning paradigm) capture the most important elements of forgetting in everyday life. However, findings from a century of work in psychology, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience converge on the notion that such procedures may pertain mainly to forgetting in the laboratory and that everyday forgetting is attributable to an altogether different form of interference. According to this idea, recently formed memories that have not yet had a chance to consolidate are vulnerable to the interfering force of mental activity and memory formation (even if the interfering activity is not similar to the previously learned material). This account helps to explain why sleep, alcohol, and benzodiazepines all improve memory for a recently learned list, and it is consistent with recent work on the variables that affect the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John T Wixted
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093-0109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Prediger RDS, Takahashi RN. Ethanol improves short-term social memory in rats. Involvement of opioid and muscarinic receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 462:115-23. [PMID: 12591103 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01300-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Some human and animal studies have demonstrated enhancement of memory processes when ethanol was administered immediately after training and subjects were later tested in the drug-free state. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute ethanol administration (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral route on short-term memory, using the social recognition test in rats. The actions of scopolamine (0.06 and 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and their interaction with ethanol in relation to short-term memory were also studied. The doses of ethanol used did not show any sedative effect, which was assessed by measuring locomotor activity. The results indicate that acute low doses of ethanol (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, i.p.) improve the short-term olfactory memory in rats in a specific and time-dependent manner, and that this action is, at least in part, related to opioid, but not to muscarinic receptors. In addition, these findings confirm that the social recognition test in rats is a useful and reliable model to investigate short-term memory affected by ethanol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui D S Prediger
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, UFSC, Rua Ferreira Lima 82, 88015-420 Florianópolis SC, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mintzer MZ, Griffiths RR. Alcohol and triazolam: differential effects on memory, psychomotor performance and subjective ratings of effects. Behav Pharmacol 2002; 13:653-8. [PMID: 12478216 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200212000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effects of alcohol (0.80 g/kg) and the benzodiazepine hypnotic triazolam (0.25 mg/70 kg) were compared directly in a double-dummy, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures design in 18 healthy volunteers. While alcohol (0.80 g/kg) and triazolam (0.25 mg/70 kg) produced comparable levels of psychomotor performance impairment, a dissociation was observed, such that the magnitude of memory impairment (measured by d', participants' sensitivity in discriminating between old and new words in the recognition memory paradigm) was greater with triazolam than with alcohol, whereas subjective ratings of the overall strength of drug effect were higher with alcohol than with triazolam. Participants also adopted a more conservative response bias in the recognition memory paradigm in the alcohol (0.80 g/kg) condition relative to both placebo and triazolam (0.25 mg/70 kg). In addition to characterizing the adverse effects of two widely used psychoactive substances, the present results may also contribute to the understanding of underlying neurochemical mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Z Mintzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Biology Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Erblich J, Earleywine M, Erblich B. Positive and negative associations with alcohol and familial risk for alcoholism. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2001. [DOI: 10.1037/0893-164x.15.3.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
30
|
Ladner CJ, Babbini M, Davies DL, Parker ES, Alkana RL. Effects of posttraining ethanol on an appetitive task. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2001; 75:111-20. [PMID: 11124050 DOI: 10.1006/nlme.2000.3960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of posttraining ethanol administration upon retention of an appetitive task using a variety of retention behaviors associated with the task. Male C57BL/6J mice were individually trained to find a cheese pellet placed in the corner of an open field. Five behavioral measures were used including locomotor activity counts, rearings, grooming episodes, approaches to the cheese pellet, and latency to consume the cheese pellet. Immediately after training, mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline or 2.0 g/kg of ethanol and then returned to their home cage in which four "intruder" mice were added for 2 h after training. On subsequent testing days (1, 6, 14, and 51 days posttraining), mice were returned to the original training environment and the five behaviors were measured. Both saline- and ethanol-treated mice habituated to the initially novel test environment at similar rates as indicated by decreased exploratory behavior (locomotor activity and rearings). In contrast, a divergence in the latency to consume the cheese pellet was observed: Saline-treated mice behaved as though the cheese was rewarding (decreased latency to eat the pellet), while the ethanol group behaved as though the cheese was aversive (increased latency to eat the pellet). Taken with previous studies, these results demonstrate that posttraining ethanol can have strikingly different effects on retention depending on the task, the measure of retention used, and the underlying neural structures involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C J Ladner
- Alcohol and Brain Research Laboratory, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pyapali GK, Turner DA, Wilson WA, Swartzwelder HS. Age and dose-dependent effects of ethanol on the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation. Alcohol 1999; 19:107-11. [PMID: 10548153 DOI: 10.1016/s0741-8329(99)00021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is strongly associated with the acquisition of spatial memory and is attenuated by ethanol. Recent studies have shown that the inhibitory potency of ethanol against n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic activity is enhanced in hippocampal slices taken from juvenile rats compared to those taken from adults. In addition, ethanol has been reported to impair spatial memory acquisition at lower doses in adolescent rats compared to adults. We therefore hypothesized that the suppression of hippocampal LTP by ethanol would be more potent in hippocampal slices taken from adolescent rats compared to those taken from adults. The potency of ethanol against NMDA receptor-mediated LTP was assessed in area CA1 of hippocampal slices taken from adolescent (30 days old) and adult (90 days old) rats. In slices from adolescent rats, theta-burst stimulus trains reliably induced robust LTP in the absence of ethanol, but when the stimulus trains were presented in the presence of either 10 mM or 30 mM ethanol, LTP induction was significantly suppressed relative to controls. In contrast, there was no effect of these ethanol concentrations on the induction of LTP in hippocampal slices from adult rats. These observations indicate that ethanol suppresses LTP in the adolescent hippocampus at concentrations that do not affect than it suppresses in the adult slices, suggesting a much greater sensitivity to ethanol in adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G K Pyapali
- Department of Surgery and Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Erblich J, Earleywine M. Children of Alcoholics Exhibit Attenuated Cognitive Impairment During an Ethanol Challenge. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1999.tb04140.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
33
|
White AM, Elek TM, Beltz TL, Best PJ. Spatial Performance Is More Sensitive to Ethanol Than Nonspatial Performance Regardless of Cue Proximity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1998. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1998.tb05922.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
34
|
Markwiese BJ, Acheson SK, Levin ED, Wilson WA, Swartzwelder HS. Differential Effects of Ethanol on Memory in Adolescent and Adult Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1998. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1998.tb03668.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
35
|
Lombardi WJ, Sirocco KY, Andreason PJ, George DT. Effects of triazolam and ethanol on proactive interference: evidence for an impairment in retrieval inhibition. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 1997; 19:698-712. [PMID: 9408800 DOI: 10.1080/01688639708403755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The effects of two memory-impairing drugs, ethanol and triazolam, on proactive interference (PI) in memory were studied. Following ingestion of either one of these drugs or a placebo, subjects studied an A-B list (e.g., BEE-WASP) of paired associates, followed by an A-C list (e.g., BEE-HONEY) on the interference trial, and a D-E list (e.g., KING-QUEEN) followed by an A-C list on the control trial. A PI effect was found in the data, such that subjects produced fewer correct second list targets on the interference trial than on the control trial. Neither ethanol nor triazolam was found to influence the size of the PI effect. However, both drugs were found to increase B intrusions on the test of the A-C list, to impair subjects' ability to produce more than one studied response for each cue word, and to impair the subjective experience of retrieved memory information. These data suggest that ethanol and triazolam impair an inhibitory process that normally operates as one component of intentional retrieval, playing an important role in the suppression of unwanted information during a memory task.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Lombardi
- Laboratory of Clinical Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Melia KR, Ryabinin AE, Corodimas KP, Wilson MC, Ledoux JE. Hippocampal-dependent learning and experience-dependent activation of the hippocampus are preferentially disrupted by ethanol. Neuroscience 1996; 74:313-22. [PMID: 8865184 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4522(96)00138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A classical fear conditioning paradigm was used to examine the effect of acute ethanol on the acquisition of context conditioning, a hippocampal-dependent associative task, and tone conditioning, a hippocampal-independent task. Administration of ethanol before the presentation of seven tone-shock pairings severely disrupted the acquisition of context conditioning, but had only a slight effect on tone conditioning, when conditioned fear was measured 48 h later. This effect was dose dependent: a dose of 0.5 g/kg had no effect on either context or tone conditioning, while doses of 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg disrupted context conditioning by 78-86%, and tone conditioning by 9-17%. Subsequent experiments indicated that ethanol's preferential effect on context conditioning could not be attributed to the fact that context conditioning is weaker than tone conditioning, ethanol-induced changes in motivational state or state-dependent learning. The effect of ethanol on stimulus-induced increases in hippocampal and neocortical expression of c-fos mRNA, a marker for changes in metabolic neuronal activity, was also examined. Ethanol completely blocked the induction of hippocampal c-fos mRNA by exposure to the conditioning context alone or seven tone-shock pairings, but only attenuated neocortical responses to these stimuli. Together, these results suggest that ethanol disrupts hippocampal-dependent learning by preferentially impairing stimulus processing at the level of the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K R Melia
- Center for Neural Science, New York University NY 10003, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The issue of the role of HIV testing in HIV prevention is an important one. Some commentators have argued that HIV testing should be encouraged more widely on the grounds that it can stimulate behaviour change to safe sex and drug use. Testing has been advanced as an important means to control the epidemic. There is, however, insufficient evidence to support this contention at this time. The hypothesis of a link between HIV testing and behaviour change is based on the assumption of a linear relationship. It is argued that this assumption is based on two others, that the 'stimulus' of testing and counselling is uniform, and that information will be perceived and used by all recipients in an identical way. It is argued that there is currently insufficient research evidence to encourage more widespread testing on prevention grounds. Issues which should be considered in future research designs are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Beardsell
- SIGMA, Department of Sociology, University of Essex, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen WJ, Spear LP, Spear NE. Enhancement of sensory preconditioning by a moderate dose of ethanol in infant and juvenile rats. BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL BIOLOGY 1992; 57:44-57. [PMID: 1567333 DOI: 10.1016/0163-1047(92)90746-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Little is known regarding the effects of acute ethanol on learning and memory among infant and juvenile rats. Two experiments were designed to evaluate the influence of various doses of ethanol administration on sensory preconditioning and primary conditioning in preweanling (16-day-old) and postweanling (28-day-old) rats. Moderate doses of ethanol facilitated conditioning at both ages. In the absence of ethanol, sensory preconditioning was not statistically significant among postweanlings in Experiment 1, although the phenomenon was clear and robust among preweanlings. Sensory preconditioning was facilitated by administration of doses of 0.8 and 1.2 g/kg ethanol in preweanlings and a dose of 1.6 g/kg ethanol in postweanlings, whereas sensory preconditioning was impaired in preweanlings by a high dose (2.4 g/kg) of ethanol. This reflected a shift to the right, between the preweaning and the postweaning periods, in the dose-response curve. It was determined in Experiment 2 that the effect of ethanol on sensory preconditioning could not be explained by stimulus generalization or an effect of ethanol on first-order conditioning, confirming the effect of ethanol on learning of the odor-odor association in the preexposure phase. The basis for a dose-dependent biphasic effect of ethanol on sensory preconditioning is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Chen
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York, Binghamton 13902
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lister RG, Gorenstein C, Fisher-Flowers D, Weingartner HJ, Eckardt MJ. Dissociation of the acute effects of alcohol on implicit and explicit memory processes. Neuropsychologia 1991; 29:1205-12. [PMID: 1791932 DOI: 10.1016/0028-3932(91)90034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The effects of alcohol (0, 0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) on learning and memory were assessed in independent groups of male student volunteers. Subjects were shown a list of words and asked to form an image of a scene involving each word 1 hr after drinking an alcohol-containing beverage. Alcohol consumption impaired the ability of subjects to explicitly remember the words in a test of free recall. However, no impairment was observed if memory for the same material was assessed implicitly using a backwards-reading or word-completion task. That is, both alcohol-and placebo-treated subjects showed similar degrees of priming. The data indicate that alcohol's effects on memory are selective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R G Lister
- Laboratory of Clinical Studies, NIAAA, DICBR, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lamberty GJ, Beckwith BE, Petros TV, Ross AR. Posttrial treatment with ethanol enhances recall of prose narratives. Physiol Behav 1990; 48:653-8. [PMID: 2082365 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(90)90206-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A small number of studies have examined the effects of postlearning alcohol intoxication on memory for various materials. In contrast to most research examining the effects of alcohol on human memory, these studies demonstrated a facilitation of memory for information learned prior to intoxication. The present study was designed to examine the effects of alcohol on memory for two different kinds of materials. Standard word lists and narrative prose passages were employed to obtain a more detailed picture of the effects of posttrial intoxication with alcohol on memory. Intoxication with alcohol did not affect subject's ability to recall simple word lists. However, recall of prose passages was facilitated to a statistically significant degree. Results are discussed within the context of a current theory of retrograde facilitation of memory via various drugs/substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G J Lamberty
- Psychology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Salt H, Boyle M, Ives J. HIV prevention: current health promoting behaviour models for understanding psycho-social determinants of condom use. AIDS Care 1990; 2:69-75. [PMID: 2083264 DOI: 10.1080/09540129008257715] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The application of current health promoting behaviour models for understanding psycho-social determinants of condom use is discussed. It was concluded that their utility is reduced because they are individualistic models and do not take into account interaction between couples, and contextual factors. Systemic AIDS counselling and relapse prevention approaches to invervention may provide a better basis for developing an appropriate methodology for studying condom use because they incorporate contextual factors. Some future directions for research into the determinants of condom use and the implications for health education and counselling are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Salt
- Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Haut JS, Beckwith BE, Petros TV, Russell S. Gender differences in retrieval from long-term memory following acute intoxication with ethanol. Physiol Behav 1989; 45:1161-5. [PMID: 2813540 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(89)90103-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of ethanol on retrieval from long-term memory by using a set of cognitive decision tasks. Male and female subjects were administered either 0.0 or 1.0 milliliter of ethanol per kilogram of body weight, and then asked to make physical, lexical, and semantic decisions about pairs of words. In general, intoxicated subjects responded significantly slower than sober subjects on all decision types. In addition, female subjects demonstrated greater performance deficits than males when intoxicated. The results suggested that the reduction in speed was not due to a simple slowing of motor responses. Rather the ethanol induced memory deficits may result from the slowing of cognitive operations that impair the efficiency of working memory. Several reasons were proposed for the observed difference in reaction to intoxication between male and female subjects, including neuroendocrine processes and cognitive differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J S Haut
- Psychology Department, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks 58202
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cohen MJ, Schandler SL, McArthur DL. Spatial learning of visual 'nonsense figures' during experimental ethanol intoxication. Percept Mot Skills 1989; 68:599-606. [PMID: 2717366 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1989.68.2.599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The interaction of alcohol and visuospatial learning was evaluated during two experimental sessions. During one session, participants were experimentally intoxicated to obtain a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.10%. During another session, a nonalcohol placebo was administered. The learning task consisted of a paired-associate paradigm requiring participants to learn the distinct spatial positions of 6 visually presented "nonsense shapes." The visuospatial learning of participants in the placebo condition was generally superior to their learning while intoxicated. However, intercorrelations of performance measures indicated that the relation between alcohol ingestion and performance differences across conditions was not linear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Cohen
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tucker JA, Vuchinich RE, Schonhaut SJ. Effects of alcohol on recall of social interactions. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 1987. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01183270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
45
|
Lister RG, Eckardt MJ, Weingartner H. Ethanol Intoxication and Memory. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ALCOHOLISM 1987. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-1684-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
46
|
Branchey L, Branchey M, Zucker D, Shaw S, Lieber CS. Association between low plasma tryptophan and blackouts in male alcoholic patients. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1985; 9:393-5. [PMID: 3904503 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1985.tb05569.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol has been observed to alter various aspects of memory function. Some of the most extreme forms of memory impairment experienced by alcoholics are blackouts. There are at present very few data on the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol-related memory impairment. A variety of mechanisms including the cholinergic and catecholaminergic systems have been implicated in learning and memory. More recently, however, the importance of the serotonergic system in memory function has been demonstrated. We investigated whether patients with a history of blackouts had lower plasma levels of the serotonin precursor tryptophan than patients without such a history. Tryptophan values were significantly lower in patients who had experienced blackouts than in patients who had not. No significant differences between the two group of patients were observed for other amino acids sharing with tryptophan the same transport carrier into the brain. Drinking history variables did not differentiate among the two patient groups. Our data suggest that a decrease in plasma tryptophan (and concomitant lowered brain serotonin) could increase the vulnerability of certain individuals to manifestations of various aspects of memory impairment including one of its most extreme forms, the blackout.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of acute alcoholic intoxication on prose memory. Intoxicated and sober subjects listened to six narrative passages at different presentation rates. Immediately after listening to a tape-recorded version of each story, subjects orally recalled it. The results demonstrated that sober subjects recalled more than intoxicated subjects, but subjects from both groups favored the main ideas in their recalls. However, at the fastest presentation rate, intoxicated subjects showed some diminished sensitivity to the semantic structure of prose. It was suggested that alcohol induced deficits in prose memory may result from a general slowing in the rate with which text is encoded into working memory.
Collapse
|
48
|
Schare ML, Lisman SA, Spear NE. The effects of mood variation on state-dependent retention. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 1984. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01173313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
49
|
Hartley L, Coxon L. Effect of alcohol on a sentence-picture verification task. ERGONOMICS 1984; 27:195-203. [PMID: 6723619 DOI: 10.1080/00140138408963477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
|
50
|
Fleming JP, Miller ME, Adesso VJ. Incidental orienting tasks and the recall performance of acutely intoxicated subjects. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THE ADDICTIONS 1983; 18:143-8. [PMID: 6826263 DOI: 10.3109/10826088309027292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An incidental-learning paradigm employing a semantic and phonetic orienting task was used to determine whether poor recall performance by intoxicated subjects is due to a storage deficit resulting from a superficial analysis of the presented materials. Forty-eight male, heavy social drinkers served as subjects. Both recall and latency measures closely replicated past research using similar orienting tasks. Intoxicated subjects did not differ significantly from sober subjects in the speed or accuracy with which they answered the orienting questions. Despite the apparent similarity in processing, intoxicated subjects consistently recalled fewer words. It was tentatively suggested that alcohol-induced retention deficits may be due to a reduction in breadth rather than depth of processing.
Collapse
|