Abstract
The habituation of exploratory activity was investigated as an experimental model of memory processes. Mice were given two sessions in a simple photo-cell activity cage and the decrease in activity at the second session (habituation) served as an index of retention. Retention decreased as the interval between sessions increased from 1 to 7 days. Retention was facilitated or impaired by post-session. IP injections of several drugs known respectively to improve [(+)-amphetamine, nicotine, physostigmine, strychnine] or impair (chlordiazepoxide, chlorpromazine, scopolamine) memory in other animal models. Memory facilitation or impairment only occurred if administration of the enhancing or impairing agent closely followed the first session, suggesting that the consolidation period was of limited duration. Post-session administration of presumably rewarding or noxious stimuli did not affect retention. Finally, retention was enhanced by several drugs which are used clinically for the treatment of memory disorders (bromocriptine, dihydroergotoxine, meclofenoxate, naftidrofuryl and piracetam). These results, consistent with classical learning data, suggest that habituation of exploratory activity in mice provides a simple but valid model of memory processes suitable for the screening of memory enhancing drugs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.