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Behavioural effects of NMDA-receptor antagonists
1Department of Neuropharmacology, University of Tübingen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementum
|January 1, 1994
Summary
NMDA receptor antagonists show varied effects on behavior and learning in rats. Non-competitive types strongly stimulate psychomotor activity and impair learning, while competitive types have weaker effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- NMDA receptor antagonists are known for anticonvulsant and anticataleptic effects.
- Previous studies established dose ranges for these effects in rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychomotor and learning effects of NMDA receptor antagonists.
- To differentiate the effects of competitive versus non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists.
Main Methods:
- Systemic and local administration of NMDA receptor antagonists in rats.
- Behavioral testing including maze tests for learning and memory assessment.
Main Results:
- Non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists induced significant psychomotor stimulation.
- Competitive NMDA receptor antagonists also caused psychomotor stimulation when locally injected into the striatum or nucleus accumbens.
- NMDA receptor antagonists, particularly non-competitive ones, showed rewarding effects.
- All tested NMDA receptor antagonists impaired hippocampally mediated learning, with non-competitive types being effective across all doses and competitive types at higher doses.
Conclusions:
- The type of NMDA receptor antagonist influences psychomotor activity and learning deficits.
- Local administration can reveal psychomotor effects of competitive NMDA receptor antagonists.
- NMDA receptor antagonists have complex effects on behavior and cognition, dependent on their antagonism type and administration route.