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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Agmatine inhibits morphine-induced memory impairment in the mouse step-down inhibitory avoidance task
Wei Lu1, Hua-Jin Dong, Zheng-Hua Gong
1Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Agmatine enhances memory formation and retrieval in mice, counteracting morphine-induced amnesia. This effect is mediated through imidazoline receptors, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for memory disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Morphine is known to impair memory formation.
- Agmatine, a biogenic amine, has shown potential neuromodulatory effects.
- Imidazoline receptors are implicated in various central nervous system functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of agmatine on memory formation and retrieval in morphine-treated mice.
- To explore the role of imidazoline receptors in agmatine's effects on memory.
Main Methods:
- The step-down inhibitory avoidance test was used to assess memory in mice.
- Agmatine was administered at different time points (pre-training, post-training, pre-test).
- Morphine was administered to induce memory impairment, and idazoxan was used to block imidazoline receptors.
Main Results:
- Pre-training and pre-test agmatine administration facilitated memory formation and retrieval.
- Post-training agmatine administration did not affect memory consolidation.
- Agmatine reversed morphine-induced memory impairment, an effect blocked by idazoxan.
Conclusions:
- Agmatine inhibits morphine-induced memory impairment in a mouse model.
- The mechanism involves the activation of imidazoline receptors.
- Agmatine shows potential as a therapeutic agent for memory deficits.
