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L J Fitten1, K Perryman, K Tachiki
1Psychiatry, Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Sepulveda, CA 91343.
Neurobiology of Aging
|March 1, 1988
Summary
1,2,3,4 tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) significantly improved color discrimination learning in monkeys. THA treatment reduced the number of trials needed to reach the learning criterion, indicating enhanced cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Cognition
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anticholinesterase agents are investigated for cognitive enhancement.
- 1,2,3,4 tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) is an anticholinesterase drug.
- Color discrimination tasks assess learning and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of chronic oral THA administration on color discrimination task acquisition in monkeys.
- To determine if THA enhances learning speed and efficiency.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase study involving five adult Macaca radiata monkeys.
- Phase 1: Dose-response curve and optimal THA dose determination using a crossover, placebo-controlled design.
- Phase 2: Four monkeys learned color discrimination tasks with optimal THA dose (5.0 mg/day) versus placebo, with counterbalanced treatment order.
Main Results:
- All four THA-treated monkeys required significantly fewer trials (p < 0.01) to reach the learning criterion compared to placebo.
- No order effects were observed in the counterbalanced treatment groups.
- THA serum concentrations were used to establish the optimal dose range.
Conclusions:
- Chronic oral administration of 1,2,3,4 tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) significantly enhances the acquisition of color discrimination tasks in monkeys.
- THA demonstrates a positive effect on cognitive learning processes in this primate model.
- The findings support THA's potential as a cognitive enhancer.