Brain serotonin depletion impairs short-term memory, but not long-term memory in rats.
Intracerebroventricular injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) (150 microg; 4.5 microl/ventricle), a serotonergic neurotoxin, significantly decreased spontaneous alternation in Y-maze task and working memory in radial 8 arm-maze task, suggesting effects on short-term memory, without affecting long-term memory, explored by reference memory in radial 8 arm-maze task and step-through latency in multi-trial passive avoidance task. Parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) (3 days treatment 200 microg, i.c.v.), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, did not impair step-through-latency in multi-trial passive avoidance task, suggesting no effects on long-term memory. These results suggest that serotonin, among other neurotransmitters, play an important role in cognitive functions, especially short-term memory.
Hritcu
Lucian
L
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Department of Physiology, Blv Carol I no 20A, 700506, Iasi, Romania. hritcu@uaic.ro
Clicinschi
Monica
M
Nabeshima
Toshitaka
T
D015116:5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010134:Fenclonine / Q000494:pharmacology; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
D018490:Serotonin Agents; D015116:5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine; D012701:Serotonin; D010134:Fenclonine