Related Experiment Videos
Developmental D-methamphetamine treatment selectively induces spatial navigation impairments in reference memory in
Michael T Williams1, LaRonda L Morford, Sandra L Wood
1Pharmacology Research Center, Children's Hospital Research Foundation and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA.
Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
|March 20, 2003
Summary
Neonatal D-methamphetamine (MA) exposure impairs adult spatial learning and memory, specifically reference memory. However, it does not affect working memory, sequential learning, or swimming ability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neonatal exposure to drugs of abuse can have lasting effects on cognitive function.
- Previous research indicated D-methamphetamine (MA) impairs spatial learning and memory in adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further investigate the effects of neonatal D-methamphetamine (MA) exposure on spatial learning and memory.
- To differentiate between effects on reference memory and working memory.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal rats received varying doses of D-methamphetamine (MA) or saline.
- Spatial learning was assessed using the Morris water maze, including acquisition, reversal learning, and working memory tasks.
- Control tasks included swimming ability, sequential learning, and cued learning.
Main Results:
- No group differences were observed in swimming ability, sequential learning, or cued learning.
- All MA-exposed groups showed significant impairments in reference memory-based spatial learning during acquisition and reversal phases.
- Working memory performance was not affected by neonatal MA exposure.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal D-methamphetamine (MA) exposure selectively impairs reference memory-based spatial learning in adulthood.
- This impairment occurs independently of effects on basic motor skills, sequential learning, or working memory.