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Novel Object Recognition Test for the Investigation of Learning and Memory in Mice
Published on: August 30, 2017
Ivermectin impairs memory retrieval performance by B6 nestin-cre mice
Lucia Schoderboeck1, Shane M Ohline2, Louise van der Salm3
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 54, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Department of Psychology, University of Otago, PO Box 54, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 54, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Ivermectin administration impaired memory in mice, complicating studies on adult-born hippocampal neurons and their role in memory retrieval. This highlights challenges in targeting these neurons specifically.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- Adult-born neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus are crucial for memory processes.
- Chemogenetic manipulation offers a way to study the function of specific neuronal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using ivermectin-based chemogenetics to manipulate adult-born hippocampal neurons.
- To assess the impact of this manipulation on spatial and contextual memory retrieval in mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nestin-cre mouse model for targeting adult-born neurons.
- Employed lentivirus-mediated transduction with ivermectin-sensitive/insensitive chloride channels.
- Administered ivermectin to male mice of two age groups (5 weeks and 5 months).
- Conducted behavioral tests including the Morris water maze and contextual fear conditioning.
Main Results:
- Ivermectin administration alone caused memory impairments in mice.
- These effects were observed irrespective of the viral construct used.
- The non-specific effects of ivermectin confounded the assessment of targeted neuronal manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Directly targeting adult-born hippocampal neurons with ivermectin-based chemogenetics is challenging.
- Nonspecific cognitive effects of ivermectin complicate the interpretation of results.
- Further research is needed to disentangle specific neuronal effects from drug side effects.
