3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) impairs eight-arm radial maze performance and arm entry pattern in rats. |
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Authors: | Braida, Daniela Pozzi, Morena Cavallini, Ramona Sala, Mariaelvina |
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Abstract: | 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 I 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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
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Keywords: | methylenedioxymethamphetamine ecstasy radial maze performance arm entry pattern memory rats |
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