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Effects of Chronic Oral Administration of Midazolam on Memory and Circadian Rhythms in Rats

Helen M Murphy1, Anastasiya I Kalinina1, Cyrilla H Wideman1

  • 1John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, USA.

Drug Research
|October 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Chronic oral midazolam impaired procedural memory in rats, suggesting potential consolidation or retrieval issues. Circadian rhythm shifts also indicate that the timing of drug administration may be critical.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Benzodiazepines, including midazolam, are known to cause memory loss.
  • Midazolam is frequently used intravenously in surgery and orally in palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of chronic oral midazolam on spatial working and procedural memory in female rats.
  • To assess the impact of midazolam on circadian activity patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Female rats received chronic oral midazolam for three weeks.
  • The Morris water maze assessed spatial working and procedural memory.
  • Activity wheels monitored daily circadian rhythms.

Main Results:

  • Spatial working memory remained unaffected in both control and experimental groups.
  • Procedural memory was impaired in rats receiving midazolam, indicating consolidation or retrieval deficits.
  • A phase-shift in circadian rhythms was observed in midazolam-treated rats.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic oral midazolam can lead to procedural memory deficits in rats.
  • The timing of midazolam administration may influence its effects due to circadian rhythm alterations.
  • Findings may offer insights into human responses to midazolam in palliative care.

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