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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Novel Object Recognition Test for the Investigation of Learning and Memory in Mice
Published on: August 30, 2017
Reversal of age-related deficits in object recognition memory in rats with l-deprenyl
Maria Noêmia M de Lima1, Daniela C Laranja, Fábio Caldana
1Memory and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biosciences Faculty, Pontifical Catholic University, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
The monoamine-oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor l-deprenyl (selegiline) is effective in treating Parkinson's disease and possibly cognitive deficits associated with aging, Alzheimer's disease and HIV dementia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of l-deprenyl on short- and long-term recognition memory in aged rats. Young adult and aged male Wistar rats were trained in a novel object recognition task. Retention test trials were carried out at 1.5 or 24 h after training. Aged rats showed impaired recognition memory retention 24 h after training when compared to young animals. Treatment with a daily systemic injection of l-deprenyl (1.0 mg/kg) for 21 days reversed the memory impairment. A control experiment indicated that l-deprenyl did not affect sensorimotor functions. The results suggest that l-deprenyl reverses age-related deficits in long-term recognition memory.
