Improvement of spatial memory by (R)-alpha-methylhistamine, a histamine H(3)-receptor agonist, on the Morris water-maze in rat.
This work aims to clarify the role of histamine in learning and memory. This is done by studying the effect of administration of the histamine precursor, L-histidine (His), and the agonist of the H(3) receptor (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (RAMH), on acquisition and retention of spatial reference memory in rats. Treatment with RAMH (10 mg/kg i.p.) facilitates recovery of spatial memory. In contrast, administration of His (500 mg/kg i.p.) does not affect the performance of this task. Moreover, pharmacological modulation of the cerebral histaminergic system does not impair the animal's behavioral flexibility, i.e. their ability to adapt to a new learning task in the same stimular context. Improved retention of spatial memory after a reduction in cerebral histamine confirms the modulating role of this neurotransmitter in memory processes.
Rubio
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S
Laboratory of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain.
Begega
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A
Santin
L J
LJ
Arias
J L
JL
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D003463:Cues; D006632:Histamine / Q000378:metabolism; D017442:Histamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D008761:Methylhistamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013028:Space Perception / Q000187:drug effects; D014163:Transfer, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects
D017442:Histamine Agonists; D008761:Methylhistamines; C069357:alpha-methylhistamine; D006632:Histamine