3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) impairs eight-arm radial maze performance and arm entry pattern in rats.
The recreational use of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) in humans has been associated with memory impairment. The present study examined whether ecstasy impairs short- and long-term working memory and the pattern of arm entries in rats tested in the 8-arm radial maze with a 2-hr delay. After completing the training session, the rats were given a single dose of ecstasy (1, 2, or 3 mg/kg ip) 20 min before the test. The highest dose slightly affected short-term working memory. Under conditions of delay, there was a progressive deficit in long-term working memory, starting from 1 mg/kg. Under both test conditions, 2 and 3 mg/kg flattened the pattern of arm entry. None of the doses caused hyperlocomotion or stereotypy in the radial maze. These findings suggest that acute ecstasy mainly affects the long-term components of working memory and disrupts the pattern of arm entry in a way similar to serotonergic agents.
Braida
Daniela
D
Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Italy.
Pozzi
Morena
M
Cavallini
Ramona
R
Sala
Mariaelvina
M
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008124:Locomotion / Q000187:drug effects; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019956:Stereotypic Movement Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced
D006213:Hallucinogens