This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Marston, H.M. Articles by Robbins, T.W. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Marston, H.M. Articles by Robbins, T.W. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Effects of the chronic administration of pyrithioxin on behaviour and cholinergic function in young and aged rats

Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK

K.J. Martin

Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK

T.W. Robbins

Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK

Behavioural effects were assessed in both young and old rats of the pyridine derivative pyrithioxin, which has been reported to elevate acetylcholine levels in several brain regions in old rats. Pyrithioxin was administered in rats' food according to two separate dosing regimens (200 and 600 mg kg ^-1) over a 6 week period. Spontaneous locomotor activity was measured weekly in photocell cages. Two measures of memory were used: one trial step-down passive avoidance, and spatial learning and retention in the Morris water maze. Pyrithioxin had no effect on locomotor activity or swim speed, but enhanced one trial passive avoidance retention in both young and old animals. The drug also enhanced sensitivity to foot shock and retention of the water maze in old animals.

Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 1, No. 4, 237-243 (1987)
DOI: 10.1177/026988118700100404


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?