Tetrahydroaminoacridine attenuates dizocilpine-induced behavioural changes.
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) is known to interact with neurotransmitter systems other than the cholinergic, e.g. several studies have shown interaction of THA with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtype of the glutamatergic system. We therefore investigated whether behavioral changes in rats, caused by the non-competitive NMDA-antagonist dizocilpine, were altered by THA. Spontaneous locomotion was measured in an open field and learning behaviour was evaluated in a spatial learning task in the 8-arm radial maze. Hyperactivity in the open field caused by 0.08 mg/kg i.p. dizocilpine was reversed by 5 mg/kg i.p. THA. Hyperactivity caused by 0.16 mg/kg i.p. dizocilpine was reversed by two THA doses (2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg i.p.). A dizocilpine-induced acquisition deficit in the 8-arm radial maze was attenuated by THA (2.5 mg/kg) on the 6th and 7th day of testing. The effects of THA are discussed with reference to a possible functional glutamate agonism.
Keseberg
U
U
University of Tübingen, Zoological Institute, Neuropharmacology Division, FRG.
Schmidt
W J
WJ
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D013028:Space Perception / Q000187:drug effects; D013619:Tacrine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D013619:Tacrine; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate