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The 5-HT1A agonist tandospirone disrupts retention but not acquisition of active avoidance learning
D Quartermain1, J Clemente, A Shemer
1Department of Neurology, New York University Medical Center, New York 10016.
Abstract:
To determine the effects of the 5-HT1A partial agonist tandospirone on acquisition and retention, mice were trained on a one-way active avoidance task and tested for retention 24 h later. Groups of mice were injected with either saline or 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg tandospirone 30 min before acquisition. Training was complete when animals achieved a criterion of five avoidances in a block of six trials. Results showed that tandospirone did not alter the rate of acquisition of the avoidance response, but retention was significantly disrupted by the 1- and 5-mg/kg doses. These findings confirm previous suggestions that 5-HT1A agonists can cause anterograde amnesia.
Insights
Tandospirone, a 5-HT1A agonist, did not affect learning in mice but impaired memory retention. This suggests 5-HT1A agonists may cause anterograde amnesia, impacting memory formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The 5-HT1A receptor is a key target for anxiolytic drugs.
- Serotonergic system modulation is implicated in learning and memory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of tandospirone, a 5-HT1A partial agonist, on memory acquisition and retention.
- To evaluate the role of 5-HT1A receptor agonism in cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Mice were trained on a one-way active avoidance task.
- Tandospirone (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) or saline was administered before training.
- Retention was assessed 24 hours after training.
Main Results:
- Tandospirirone did not affect the acquisition rate of the avoidance response.
- Memory retention was significantly impaired by 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg doses of tandospirone.
- Higher doses did not show a more pronounced effect on retention.
Conclusions:
- 5-HT1A receptor agonism, as exemplified by tandospirone, can disrupt memory consolidation.
- These findings support the hypothesis that 5-HT1A agonists may induce anterograde amnesia.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms underlying this memory impairment.