Effects of p-chlorophenylalanine and scopolamine on retention of habits in rats.
Rats were trained on a conventional maze test or on a swim-to-platform test. Retention of swim-to-platform performance 7 days later was severely impaired by posttraining treatment with a combination of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and scopolamine although neither drug alone had any effect. Retention of the maze habit was moderately impaired by scopolamine alone and severely impaired by a combination of scopolamine and PCPA, but was unaffected by PCPA alone. Polygraphic recordings confirmed previous reports that a combination of PCPA and scopolamine can abolish neocortical low voltage fast activity and hippocampal rhythmical slow activity. Combined blockade of central cholinergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in rats may provide a useful animal model of Alzheimer's disease.
Vanderwolf
C H
CH
Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Dickson
C T
CT
Baker
G B
GB
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D004594:Electrophysiology; D010134:Fenclonine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects*; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012601:Scopolamine; D010134:Fenclonine