Learning and Memory Enhancement by Neuropeptides
Abstract
The major purpose of this work, is to study mechanisms responsible for the toxic effects of the organometal neurotoxin trimethyltin (TMT) on learning, in order to develop strategies for prevention or alleviation of toxicity. Trialkyltins are used as stabilizers for plastics, or as biocides for control of fungus, barnacles, bacteria and insects. As well as being an environmental anti-fouling toxicant of specific interest to the Navy, these compounds may also be of interest as a model treatments for study of learning/ memory dysfunction resulting from exposure to other toxicants (e.g. other heavy metals, organic solvents), or arising from disease states. Rats treated with TMT or a mixed ganglioside preparation (which was administered to determine a possible therapeutic effect in TMT-treated animals) have decreased concentrations of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptors, which may be related to cognitive impairments. We have also done work with the opiate antagonist naloxone, a substance which has memory-enhancing properties in many assays, but have found that this substance actually impairs acquisition of autoshaped behavior, whether given before or after training sessions
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA190461
Entities
People
- Rita B. Messing
Organizations
- University of Minnesota