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Methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate enhances performance in a multiple-trial learning task in mice
M J Raffalli-Sebille1, G Chapouthier, P Venault
1Laboratoire de Génétique, Neurogénétique et Comportement U.R.A. 1294 C.N.R.S., U.E.R. Biomedicale, Université Paris V, France.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM) enhances learning in mice, unlike diazepam. This effect, mediated by benzodiazepine receptors, occurs during acquisition in multi-trial learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Benzodiazepine receptor (BZ-R) ligands like diazepam impair memory.
- Methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM) enhances performance in single-trial learning protocols.
- Previous findings on beta-CCM's learning enhancement were limited to single-session protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of beta-CCM on multiple-trial learning in mice.
- To determine if beta-CCM's performance-enhancing effects extend to acquisition in a multi-trial setting.
- To explore the role of benzodiazepine receptors in the learning process.
Main Methods:
- Mice were trained in a brightness discrimination task in a T-maze with negative reinforcement over six days.
- Experiment 1: Administration of beta-CCM, diazepam, or saline before training sessions.
- Experiment 2: Administration of beta-CCM, Ro 15-1788 (a BZ-R antagonist), or combination, alongside controls.
Main Results:
- Beta-CCM improved performance, while diazepam impaired it, across all training sessions.
- Both beta-CCM and Ro 15-1788 individually enhanced performance in the multi-trial learning task.
- Co-administration of beta-CCM and Ro 15-1788 abolished the performance-enhancing effects of beta-CCM.
Conclusions:
- Beta-CCM's performance-enhancing effects are observable during drug treatment in multi-trial learning, not just in retention tests.
- Beta-CCM facilitates the acquisition phase of learning.
- The antagonism of beta-CCM's effects by Ro 15-1788 suggests a significant role for benzodiazepine receptors in the learning process.