MK-801 and cognitive functions: Investigating the behavioral effects of a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist

RATIONALE

MK-801 (dizocilpine) is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist originally explored for anticonvulsant potential. Despite its original purpose, its amnestic properties led to the development of pivotal models of various cognitive impairments widely employed in research and greatly impacting scientific progress. MK-801 offers several advantages; however, it also presents drawbacks, including inducing dose-dependent hyperlocomotion or ambiguous effects on anxiety, which can impact the interpretation of behavioral research results.

OBJECTIVES

The present review attempts to summarize and discuss the effects of MK-801 on different types of memory and cognitive functions in animal studies.

RESULTS

A plethora of behavioral research suggests that MK-801 can detrimentally impact cognitive functions. The specific effect of this compound is influenced by variables including developmental stage, gender, species, strain, and, crucially, the administered dose. Notably, when considering the undesirable effects of MK-801, doses up to 0.1 mg/kg were found not to induce stereotypy or hyperlocomotion.

CONCLUSION

Dizocilpine continues to be of significant importance in preclinical research, facilitating the exploration of various procognitive therapeutic agents. However, given its potential undesirable effects, it is imperative to meticulously determine the appropriate dosages and conduct supplementary evaluations for any undesirable outcomes, which could complicate the interpretation of the findings.

The psycho-social health of students during first part of COVID-10 pandemy

INTRODUCTION

In 2020, the world was gripped by a global pandemic caused by a new strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Highly contagious, rapidly spreading virus caused massive infections around the world and forced isolation of patients and quarantine of contact persons. Social isolation, caused by the introduction of compulsory distance or resulting from the course of the quarantine process, may result in the loss of emotional ties between individuals, thus leading to the weakening of the social support network.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess whether and to what extent the restrictions caused by the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemics affected emotional state and everyday behavior of students of Polish universities.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

1,095 students took part in the study - 82.1% of women and 17.9% men, aged 19 and over up to 55 years of age, living mostly in cities. The diagnostic survey method was applied using proprietary questionnaires. The questionnaire was distributed by Internet. The results were processed using the Statistica v.13.3 program with the application of descriptive statistics and tests χ2 and Anova.

RESULTS

According to 80% of respondents, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a serious threat for health. During the first wave of the pandemic, students were accompanied mainly by difficult emotions: uncertainty (61%), depression (28.9%), worry (28.7%), nervousness (37.7%) and anger (24%). According to 50.2%, their relations with household members were not changed, while students declaring changes in family relationships pointed to their loosening and limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant majority of students stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to health and has a regular interest in epidemiological data concerning coronavirus. Medical students declared the highest risk. The first wave of the pandemic resulted in the intensification of difficult emotions and for half of the respondents changes in the functioning of their family relationships.

Epidemiological study of bacterial dermatitis in dogs of Wayanad district

A survey was undertaken to determine the epidemiology of bacterial dermatitis in dogs presented at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), College of Veterinary and Animal sciences Pookode, from April 2017 to June 2018. Dogs of all age groups, breeds and both sexes with clinical signs of dermatitis were included in the study. Sterile swabs were used to collect samples aseptically from the dogs that showed clinical lesions of canine bacterial dermatitis. Samples were taken for culture and isolation of bacteria was done. There was no statistically significant difference among different age groups, however the highest occurrence was observed among dogs between 1-3 years (39.44 %) and out of 71 animals, 39 (54.93 %t) male dogs were positive for bacterial dermatitis, but no statistically significance among different sexes was observed. Among the various breeds studied, the highest occurrence was noticed in Labrador retrievers (23.94 per cent) when compared to other breeds but no statistically significance difference among different breeds was observed. Identification of bacterial isolates was done based on colony character, Gram’s staining, oxidase test, catalase test, oxidative fermentative test and growth in specific media. A total of 71 bacterial isolates were obtained. Bacterial isolates obtained were Staphylococcus species (84.51 %), Streptococci (7.04%), Micrococci (5.63 %), and Pseudomonas species (2.82 %).

The relationship between PNP, GSTO-1, AS3MT and ADRB3 gene polymorphisms and urinary arsenic concentration among copper smelter and refinery employers

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between polymorphisms of genes encoding enzymes involved in arsenic metabolism and urinary arsenic concentration in people occupationally exposed to arsenic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data from 113 employers directly exposed to lead, cadmium, and arsenic in copper smelter in Legnica and Glogow were collected. Urinary arsenic concentration was measured. In addition, blood level of cadmium, lead, and zinc protoporphyrins was assayed. Genetic analyses included polymorphism of PNP (rs 1130650), GSTO-1 (rs 4925), AS3MT (rs 11191439), and ADRB3 (rs4994) genes.

RESULTS

Individuals occupationally exposed to arsenic compounds, who have allele T in homozygous constellation in locus rs 1130650 of PNP gene, are predisposed to lower urinary arsenic concentration, while AA homozygosity in locus rs 4925 of GSTO-1 gene may result in statistically significant higher urinary arsenic concentration. Polymorphisms of AS3MT and ADRB3 genes showed no statistically significant correlation with urinary arsenic, however, there was a tendency to higher arsenic concentration in allele A carriers in locus rs4994 of ADRB3 gene and in allele T carriers in rs 11191439 of AS3MT gene.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that arsenic absorption and metabolism depend on polymorphisms of genes encoding PNP and GSTO-1. Individuals with disadvantageous constellation of polymorphisms are more susceptible to harmful effects of arsenic exposure.