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Dimethoate accelerates the extinction of eyeblink conditioning in mice
Mauricio Valenzuela-Harrington1, Irene Castillo, Corín Díaz
1Laboratorio de Neurociencia Celular y Plasticidad, Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Edificio 21), Ctra. de Utrera Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
Neurotoxicology
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Organophosphate insecticide dimethoate impairs associative learning and motor function in mice. This pesticide accelerates the extinction of conditioned responses and deteriorates motor performance, impacting learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Organophosphates are common agricultural pesticides that inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AChE).
- This inhibition leads to acetylcholine accumulation and overstimulation of receptors, affecting neural function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dimethoate on associative learning and motor function in mice.
- To determine if dimethoate impacts hippocampal-dependent learning models.
Main Methods:
- Classical conditioning of eyelid responses in mice using a trace shock-SHOCK paradigm.
- Administration of varying doses of dimethoate (5, 20, 50mg/kg/day).
- Assessment of motor function using the rotarod performance test.
Main Results:
- Dimethoate did not affect the acquisition or unconditioned responses in associative learning.
- Dimethoate administration led to rapid extinction of conditioned responses.
- Motor function and performance significantly deteriorated after dimethoate exposure.
Conclusions:
- Dimethoate accelerates the extinction of associative learning and impairs memory.
- This organophosphate pesticide negatively affects motor function and performance in mice.
- Findings highlight potential neurotoxic effects of dimethoate on learning and motor control.
