Dextrorphan blocks long- but not short-term memory in a passive avoidance task in rats.
In the present study a mixed sigma and PCP (phencyclidine) site ligand, dextrorphan (22 mg/kg), blocked long- but not short-term memory in a passive avoidance task. This effect was not accompanied by any behavioral alterations that could interfere with passive avoidance performance. The action of dextrorphan was shared by a selective NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, MK-801 (5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzocyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate, 0.1 mg/kg). The results suggest that dextrorphan affects long-term memory, probably via blockade of NMDA receptors.
Sierocinska
J
J
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
Nikolaev
E
E
Danysz
W
W
Kaczmarek
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D003917:Dextrorphan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D003917:Dextrorphan