TRH attenuates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in humans.
The brain tripeptide thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been demonstrated to facilitate cholinergic neurotransmission. To test its interaction with the cholinergic system in humans, high-dose TRH (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo was administered intravenously (IV) to normal controls pretreated with scopolamine (0.5-0.75 mg IV), a centrally active muscarinic antagonist, which has been used to model aspects of the memory impairment of normal aging and of dementia. Compared to placebo, TRH markedly attenuated scopolamine-induced impairment of some measures of memory, most notably on a selective reminding task. This cognitive study is the first in humans to suggest a neuromodulatory effect of a peptide on the cholinergic system, and suggests a facilitatory role for TRH in human memory processes.
Molchan
S E
SE
Unit on Geriatric Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Mellow
A M
AM
Lawlor
B A
BA
Weingartner
H J
HJ
Cohen
R M
RM
Cohen
M R
MR
Sunderland
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D012601:Scopolamine