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Effects of oxotremorine on inhibitory avoidance behaviour in two inbred strains of mice: interaction with
F Pavone1, S Fagioli, C Castellano
1Istituto di Psicobiologia e Psicofarmacologia, CNR, Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
The effects of the cholinergic muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine (0.005, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 mg/kg), the serotonergic agonist, 5-methoxy-NN-dimethyltriptamine (5-MeODMT) (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg), and their combination, were investigated in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice using a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task, drug treatment being given immediately after the acquisition trial. Post-trial administration of oxotremorine facilitated, while post-trial administration of 5-MeODMT inhibited memory retention of both strains in a dose-dependent fashion. The DBA/2 strain was more affected by oxotremorine than the C57BL/6 mice; no strain-dependent sensitivity to serotonergic agonist administration was observed. In both strains, the combination of oxotremorine plus 5-MeODMT inhibited the performance improvement shown by the administration of the cholinergic agonist alone. The facilitatory role of cholinergic stimulation on retention performance was confirmed and an inhibitory action of the serotonergic system on memory processes was suggested. Moreover, the present results support a functional interaction between cholinergic and serotonergic systems on memory consolidation.
Insights
Cholinergic agonists like oxotremorine enhance memory, while serotonergic agonists such as 5-MeODMT inhibit it. Their combination suggests a complex interaction influencing memory consolidation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cholinergic and serotonergic systems play crucial roles in cognitive functions, including memory.
- Understanding their interplay is vital for deciphering memory consolidation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the individual and combined effects of a cholinergic agonist (oxotremorine) and a serotonergic agonist (5-MeODMT) on memory retention in mice.
- To explore potential strain-specific differences in response to these agonists.
- To elucidate the functional interaction between cholinergic and serotonergic systems in memory consolidation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice.
- Administered oxotremorine and 5-MeODMT at various doses immediately after the acquisition trial.
- Assessed memory retention based on performance in the avoidance task.
Main Results:
- Post-trial oxotremorine administration dose-dependently facilitated memory retention in both mouse strains.
- Post-trial 5-MeODMT administration dose-dependently inhibited memory retention.
- DBA/2 mice showed greater sensitivity to oxotremorine compared to C57BL/6 mice; no strain differences were observed for 5-MeODMT.
- Combined administration of both agonists attenuated the memory-facilitating effects of oxotremorine.
Conclusions:
- Cholinergic stimulation facilitates memory retention, while serotonergic activity inhibits it.
- A functional interaction exists between the cholinergic and serotonergic systems, influencing memory consolidation.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurochemical basis of memory processes.