title: Effect of topiramate on hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in rats.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topiramate, a new generation antiepileptic agent with a complex mechanism of action, has a broad pharmacological profile which includes a neuroprotective effect. It has been proven to be efficacious in treating alcohol dependence through a previously confirmed association with memory processes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Topiramate was administered in single doses of 120 and 40 mg/kg and multiple doses of 60 mg/kg for 12 days. Its influence on the spatial memory of rats was evaluated using the Morris water maze test. The time needed to localize the platform, the distance travelled and time spent in the platform zone were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Single doses of topiramate induce deterioration of spatial memory, with high doses having more pronounced and longer lasting effects. Multiple administration of a medial dose does not significantly affect the learning process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The influence of topiramate on the hippocampus-related memory processes may play a key role in its "anti-alcohol" effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, PL 90-151, Łódź Poland. boguslawa.pietrzak@umed.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Bogusława
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pietrzak
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Konopka
authors.forename: Jakub
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wojcieszak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013997:Time Factors; D000077236:Topiramate
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose