I.c.v. infusions of ACPD(1S,3R) attenuate learning in a Morris water maze paradigm

The functional role of metabotropic glutamate receptors is beginning to be understood. Cognitive effects of metabotropic receptor activation were examined in the present study in a Morris water maze following intraventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of ACPD(1S,3R). I.c.v. infusions of ACPD substantially increased the amount of time animals took to find a hidden platform in a water maze. Current results demonstrate that subtoxic doses of ACPD can produce in vivo effects with functional significance. Spatial learning abilities are impaired following activation of metabotropic receptors with ACPD(1S,3R). Negative implications are provided for the use of cognitive enhancing compounds that stimulate metabotropic glutamate receptors.