Effects of post-training modafinil administration in a discriminative avoidance task in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Modafinil is known for cognitive-enhancing effects.
• Its impact on memory consolidation is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of repeated modafinil administration on memory consolidation.
• To assess modafinil's impact on a discriminative avoidance task.

Main Methods:

• Mice were trained in a plus-maze discriminative avoidance task.
• Modafinil (32, 64, or 128 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally after training for 9 consecutive days.
• Memory consolidation was tested 30 minutes after the final injection.
• The effects of 32 mg/kg modafinil on consolidation at different time points were examined.

Main Results:

• The lowest dose of modafinil (32 mg/kg) impaired memory consolidation.
• This impairment occurred without significant changes in anxiety or locomotion.
• Post-training administration of modafinil at 1 or 2 hours also impaired memory persistence.

Conclusions:

• Modafinil impairs memory consolidation.
• The effect is dose-dependent.
• The effect is also time-dependent, with later administration impacting memory persistence.