Buspirone differentially modifies short-term memory function in a combined delayed matching/non-matching to position task.
This study investigated the action of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) mimetics on short-term memory function. The objective was to determine whether two closely related tasks could differentiate between partial 5-HT(1A) receptor activation, full 5-HT(1A) receptor activation and generalised enhanced serotonin (5-HT) activity. Male hooded Lister rats were trained to perform an operant-based combined delayed matching/non-matching to position task. Drugs used were: fluoxetine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor; the full 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.3 mg/kg, s.c.); and the partial 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, buspirone (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Buspirone differentially disrupted response accuracy depending on the style of trial. There was no such difference in the case of 8-OH-DPAT, which impaired accuracy in both delayed matching/non-matching to position task, while fluoxetine affected neither. Thus, the findings suggest that partial 5-HT(1A) receptor activation compromises cognitive function to a greater extent than full 5-HT(1A) receptor activation, although a dopaminergic component cannot be excluded since buspirone possesses some dopamine D2 receptor antagonist activity. Furthermore, it suggests that there is a differential role for 5-HT in these two closely related behavioural tasks.
Pache
David M
DM
Neuropharmacology, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Wales CF10 3XF, Cardiff, UK.
Fernández-Pérez
Sabela
S
Sewell
Robert D E
RD
D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002065:Buspirone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D003463:Cues; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D044282:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A / Q000187:drug effects
D005473:Fluoxetine; D044282:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; D002065:Buspirone