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Memantine mitigates methamphetamine-induced impairments in social and recognition memories in rats
Mehdi Khodamoradi1, Yasaman Allameh2, Melika Sarani3
1Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Background:
Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused neurotoxic substance that can lead to neurocognitive disabilities. Recent studies have shown that memantine (MEM), an NMDA receptor antagonist, can improve cognitive function across various disorders. Given that previous studies have revealed that exposure to METH leads to several social and cognitive impairments, this research aimed to investigate the effects of MEM on social memory, social behavior, and novel object recognition impairments caused by chronic METH exposure. Adult male Wistar rats received a regimen of METH, which causes neurotoxicity (four injections of 6 mg/kg, s.c., at 2-h intervals). After one week, the effects of MEM (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on novel object recognition memory and social behaviors in the experimental groups were examined.
Results:
Animals exposed to the METH regimen exhibited significant impairments in the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval stages of novel object recognition memory. However, treatment with MEM ameliorated the detrimental effects of METH on the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval, but not the reconsolidation, of novel object recognition memory. Additionally, the results revealed that METH-triggered deficits in social interaction and behavior were improved by MEM treatment.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MEM administration effectively ameliorated memory impairments induced by chronic METH exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the neuroprotective effects of MEM on novel object memory, social memory, and social behaviors.
Insights
Memantine (MEM) treatment reversed memory and social behavior deficits caused by methamphetamine (METH) neurotoxicity. This study shows MEM
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methamphetamine (METH) is a neurotoxic substance linked to cognitive disabilities.
- Memantine (MEM), an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows potential in improving cognitive function.
- METH exposure is known to cause social and cognitive impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MEM's effects on social memory, social behavior, and novel object recognition impairments induced by chronic METH exposure.
- To evaluate MEM's neuroprotective potential against METH-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Wistar rats were administered METH to induce neurotoxicity.
- Following METH exposure, rats were treated with MEM.
- Novel object recognition memory and social behaviors were assessed.
Main Results:
- METH exposure significantly impaired novel object recognition memory (acquisition, consolidation, retrieval).
- MEM treatment ameliorated METH-induced deficits in memory, but not reconsolidation.
- MEM improved METH-triggered deficits in social interaction and behavior.
Conclusions:
- MEM administration effectively ameliorated memory impairments caused by chronic METH exposure.
- MEM demonstrated neuroprotective effects on novel object memory, social memory, and social behaviors.
- Findings suggest MEM as a potential therapeutic agent for METH-induced neurocognitive deficits.
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