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Nimodipine enhances new learning after hippocampal damage
S Finger1, L Green, M E Tarnoff
1Department of Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130.
Experimental Neurology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Nimodipine, a calcium entry blocker, improved cognitive performance in rats with hippocampal lesions. This suggests nimodipine may protect against brain injury effects on learning and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hippocampal lesions impair cognitive functions, including learning.
- Calcium entry blockers like nimodipine are investigated for neuroprotective potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nimodipine on cognitive deficits induced by hippocampal lesions in rats.
- To assess nimodipine's efficacy in mitigating learning impairments on differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) schedules.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent bilateral hippocampal lesions or sham operations.
- Animals received either nimodipine (calcium entry blocker) or vehicle orally for 14 days post-surgery.
- Behavioral testing was conducted using DRL 20-s and DRL 40-s schedules of reinforcement.
Main Results:
- Rats with hippocampal lesions and vehicle treatment performed poorly on DRL schedules.
- Nimodipine administration significantly improved the performance of lesioned rats, bringing scores close to control levels.
- Similar protective effects were observed on both DRL 20-s and DRL 40-s schedules.
Conclusions:
- Nimodipine can attenuate the negative impact of acute hippocampal lesions on new learning.
- This study highlights nimodipine's potential therapeutic value in managing cognitive impairments following focal brain injury.