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Comparison in mice of the amnestic effects of cycloheximide and 6-hydroxydopamine in a one-trial passive avoidance
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|March 1, 1976
Abstract:
To test further the hypothesis that cycloheximide (CXM)-induced amnesia is due in part to its effects on the central adrenergic system, a comparison was made in mice of the effects of the antibiotic and of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on memory of a one-trial passive avoidance task. Both drugs produced anmesia 24 hr after training but unlike CXM, 6-OHDA had no effect on memory 20 min after training.
Insights
Cycloheximide (CXM) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) cause amnesia in mice. However, 6-OHDA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cycloheximide (CXM) is known to induce amnesia.
- The central adrenergic system is implicated in memory formation and retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the central adrenergic system in cycloheximide (CXM)-induced amnesia.
- To compare the amnesic effects of CXM and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in a passive avoidance task.
Main Methods:
- A one-trial passive avoidance task was used in mice.
- The effects of CXM and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on memory were assessed at different time points post-training.
Main Results:
- Both CXM and 6-OHDA induced amnesia 24 hours after training.
- Unlike CXM, 6-OHDA did not affect memory 20 minutes after training, suggesting differential effects on memory consolidation or retrieval.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the central adrenergic system may play a role in CXM-induced amnesia.
- The differential time course of amnesia induced by CXM and 6-OHDA indicates distinct mechanisms of action on memory processes.