Isatin, a putative anxiogenic endocoid, induces memory dysfunction in rats.
Isatin (2,3-dioxoindole), one of the components of tribulin, which has been postulated to function as an endogenous marker of stress and anxiety, was shown to induce a dose-related attenuation of learning acquisition in an active avoidance test and inhibition of learning retention, or memory, in a step-down passive avoidance paradigm and transfer latency in an elevated plus-maze, in rats. Earlier studies have indicated that isatin functions as a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor agonist in its anxiogenic activity in rats and is an antagonist at mammalian atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors. Since 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and centrally administered ANP have been shown to facilitate learning and memory, the observed memory dysfunction induced by isatin can be attributed to its receptor activity at 5-HT3 and ANP receptors. The investigation also indicates that anxiogenic agents are likely to disrupt memory functions.
Department of Pharmacology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
K S
KS
Satyan
A
A
Rai
A K
AK
Jaiswal
S B
SB
Acharya
S K
SK
Bhattacharya
D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D007510:Isatin / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D051381:Rats; D017461:Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000633:toxicity*
D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D007510:Isatin; D017461:Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor