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Introduction: Acromegaly patients, in addition to the most prominent physical and endocrine changes, also exhibit a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction. However, the reasons and mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments in acromegaly patients remain unknown. Methods: Acromegalic rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of tumor cells, with continuous monitoring of the body weight and hormones to confirm the occurrence of acromegaly. Behavioral assessments, including open field test, novel object recognition test, and Barnes maze test, were conducted to evaluate the animals' cognitive function. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to examine changes in the hippocampal tau protein, Aβ, and associated signaling pathways. Results: The tumor cells secreting growth hormone increased the secretion of growth hormone, resulting in changes in body size and endocrine functions, thus causing acromegaly. The acromegaly model showed deficiencies in working memory and spatial memory. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein was observed in the hippocampus of the acromegaly model, but no Aβ deposition was observed. The acromegaly model exhibits hippocampal growth hormone (GH) resistance, decreased expression of GH receptors, and subsequently reduced expression activity of the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, which is responsible for the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Conclusion: The prolonged elevation of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 caused by acromegaly may lead to abnormalities in the SD rat's PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, subsequently resulting in hyperphosphorylation of the hippocampal tau protein and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the learning process, music can activate important neural areas in the brain, promoting the retention of information and memory formation. However, studies testing music effects on memory had found different improvements, which could be due to the methodological differences across studies. Thus, the purpose of this article was to systematically review the literature and meta-analyze the effects of music on Rattus norvegicus' explicit memory (Maze tests) only in controlled investigations. The seven studies included led to a very homogeneous analysis (I2 = 0%), confirming the consistency of the significant standardized mean difference (SMD) between the memory of animals exposed and not exposed to music (SMD 0.60 (95% CI 0.38; 0.83, p < 0.001)). Exploratory analysis suggests music benefits on memory can be acquired when begun at any age, when tested with the three types of mazes evaluated, with exposure lasting from 8 to 83 days and when the age on test day was either under 30 days or over 30 days. To expand the actual understanding of music effects on memory, future studies should investigate different types of music and animal species, with different sex and health conditions, at different time points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intrathecal (IT) pDNA IL-10 reverses spinally-mediated measures of neuropathic pain. • Development of TARS, a new 2-arm choice task to assess supraspinal pain processing. • Spinal and supraspinal indices of neuropathic pain developed in parallel over time. • Both indices of pain were reversed in parallel after IT pDNA-IL10 gene therapy. • Details for construction and use of the TARS operant behavior task are provided. Intrathecal delivery of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene therapy has been reported to be effective in suppressing pain enhancement in a variety of rodent models. However, all publications that have tested this treatment have relied upon measures of static allodynia (von Frey test) and thermal hyperalgesia (Hargreaves test). As this plasmid DNA IL-10 (pDNA-IL10) therapeutic approach is now in human clinical trials for multiple pain indications, including intrathecal delivery for human neuropathic pain, it is important to consider the recent concerns raised in the pain field that such tests reflect spinal rather than supraspinal processing of, and responsivity to, noxious stimuli. Consequently, this raises the question of whether intrathecal pDNA-IL10 can reverse established neuropathic pain when assessed by a test requiring supraspinal, rather than solely spinal, mediation of the behavioral response. The present study utilizes the rat sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain to compare the expression of static allodynia with that of cognitively controlled choice behavior in a two-arm maze, adapted from Hayashida et al. (2019). This modification, termed the Two-Arm Rodent Somatosensory (TARS) task, provides rats free choice to reach a desired goal box via a short "arm" of the maze with tactile probes as flooring versus a longer "arm" of the maze with a smooth surface. Here we demonstrate that static allodynia and avoidance of the nociceptive flooring in TARS develop in parallel over time, and that both behaviors also resolve in parallel following intrathecal pDNA-IL10 gene therapy. Details for the construction and use of this new maze design are also provided. Together, this study documents both: (a) the important finding that intrathecal IL-10 gene therapy does indeed resolve neuropathic pain as measured by a supraspinally-mediated behavioral task, and (b) a new, supraspinally-mediated task that allows behavioral assessments across weeks and allows the analysis of both development and resolution of neuropathic pain by therapeutic interventions. As such, the TARS operant behavior task is an improvement over other approaches such as the mechanical conflict-avoidance system which have difficulties demonstrating development and reversal of pain behavior in a within-subject design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Maier 3-table task comprises three phases conducted each day. During the exploration phase, rats explore the entire apparatus. During the information phase, the rats are placed on one of the three tables where food is found. During the test phase, the animals are placed at the starting point on one of the two remaining tables and must enter the goal table where they previously ate. The acquisition of the Maier 3-table task was slowed down after lesions of the septum, fornix, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, or posterior parietal cortex. Because of its time-consuming nature, the Maier 3-table task has more recently been superseded by appetitive matching-to-place in Y- or T-mazes or the circular water maze, because experimenters skip over the exploration phase. Nevertheless, like the Maier 3-table task, the acquisition of the Y- or T-maze matching-to-place task was retarded after lesions of the medial septum or medial prefrontal cortex, more particularly its prelimbic-infralimbic part. Like the previous task, the water-maze version is sensitive to lesions of the medial septum or retrosplenial cortex. Despite methodological differences between the three procedures, these results indicate common neurobiological bases of matching-to-place learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous findings show that rats in a maze tend to choose the shortest path to reach food. But it is not clear whether this choice is based on path length solely, or some other factors. The aim of this experiment was to investigate which factor dominates the behavior in a maze: path (longer and shorter), time (longer and shorter), or effort (more or less strenuous). The experiment involved 40 mice (4 groups), learning a maze with two paths. Each group went through only one of the situations within which we kept one factor constant on two paths while the remaining two factors were varied. Only in the fourth situation all factors were equalized. The results show that there is a statistically significant difference in the maze path preference between four situations. Preference between the paths is such that mice always choose paths requiring less effort.

The article highlights a study on the protective effects of nicotine and O-acetyl-L-carnitine against H89-induced spatial memory deficits. It discusses that the potential synergistic effects of nicotine and O-acetyl-L-carnitine in preventing protein kinase AII inhibitor (H-89)-induced spatial learning impairments.

• Similar learning performance between young and aged monkeys were showed in mazes. • No significant influence of aging on allocentric spatial learning were investigated. • It was suggesting no significant influence of dopaminergic inhibition on allocentric spatial learning. Studies have shown that both aging and dopaminergic dysfunction affected spatial learning and memory. Systematic dopaminergic inhibition, by dopamine receptor (DR) antagonist treatment, impaired spatial delayed-response (SDR) performance, which mostly requires self/body centered egocentric reference frame, in rhesus monkeys. However, the influence of DR blocking on large scale maze learning, which mainly involves world centered allocentric reference frame, remains unclear. Moreover, the effects of aging on the process also remain unknown. Present study investigated the issues, using large scale mazes composed of 8 maze units. Maze No. 1 was used for adaptation and training. Mazes No. 2-4 were used to investigate influence of aging, by comparing learning performance between young and aged rhesus monkeys. Mazes No. 5-8 were used to investigate the effects of DR antagonist treatment, SKF-83566 (0.02, 0.2 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.001, 0.01 mg/kg). The result showed similar learning performance between young and aged monkeys in mazes No. 2-4. In mazes No. 5-8, we also found similar learning performance after acute DR antagonist injection, compared with pre-treatment baseline performance in mazes No. 2-4, in both young and aged groups. The result showed similar maze learning performance between young and aged monkeys in mazes (No. 2-4), suggesting no significant influence of aging on allocentric spatial learning. We also found similar maze performance in both groups, after dopamine receptor antagonist treatment in mazes (No. 5-8) compared with pre-treatment baseline performance in mazes (No. 2-4), suggesting no significant influence of dopaminergic inhibition on allocentric spatial learning. Together, the present study potentially suggested insensitivity of allocentric spatial learning to cognitive aging and acute systematic dopaminergic inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): In addition to genetic factors, environmental phenomena during postnatal age highly affect development and, in turn, function of the brain. The present work evaluates if morphine consumption during lactation period influences the spatial performances and synaptic plasticity in rats at neonatal period of age. Materials and Methods: Three groups of mothers were subcutaneously administered by 5 (M5), 10 (M10) or 20 (M20) mg/kg morphine every 12 hours during the lactation period. At 45 days old, their offspring were introduced to Morris water maze for assessment of spatial learning and memory. Basic field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 area of hippocampus and, then, long term potentiation (LTP) was induced by tetanic stimulation. Results: We found that the M10 and M20 rats spent more time and traveled longer distance to find the hidden platform of maze when compared to the control animals (PConclusion: The present study provides behavioral and electrophysiological proofs for negative effect of morphine on the hippocampal-related function in the neonatally morphine-exposed rats.

Background and Objectives: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance that affects the central nervous system. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme, as one of the enzymes of central and peripheral nervous system, plays a role in the sympathetic and parasympathetic function. This enzyme transmits neural messages through hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the cholinergic synapses and is of great importance in memory and learning. In this study, the effect of THC was investigated on the cholinergic system in rat behaviors. Methods: In this experimental study, 10 adult male rats were used. First, the rats were anesthetized, then, two cannulas were placed in the ventricle using stereotaxic apparatus and THC was injected. The activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme was measured, and plus maze test was used to assess the anxiety behavior. Data were analyzed using t-student test. Results: In this study, THC reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, indicating memory impairment. Moreover, the percentage of time spent in the open arm and the percentage of the number of entries into the open arm increased (p

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Objective(s): In addition to genetic factors, environmental phenomena during postnatal age highly affect development and, in turn, function of the brain. The present work evaluates if morphine consumption during lactation period influences the spatial performances and synaptic plasticity in rats at neonatal period of age. Materials and Methods: Three groups of mothers were subcutaneously administered by 5 (M5), 10 (M10) or 20 (M20) mg/kg morphine every 12 hours during the lactation period. At 45 days old, their offspring were introduced to Morris water maze for assessment of spatial learning and memory. Basic field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 area of hippocampus and, then, long term potentiation (LTP) was induced by tetanic stimulation. Results: We found that the M10 and M20 rats spent more time and traveled longer distance to find the hidden platform of maze when compared to the control animals (P<0.05 for all comparisons). Similarly, these two morphine-exposed groups were inferior in the memory consolidation compared to their control counterparts. Comparing control and M20 rats revealed that morphine exposure decreases the mean amplitude and slope 10-90% of fEPSPs about 30 percent (P<0.001 for both comparisons) and inhibits the LTP induction in the CA1 area circuits. Conclusion: The present study provides behavioral and electrophysiological proofs for negative effect of morphine on the hippocampal-related function in the neonatally morphine-exposed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies reported that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) induces adverse effects on exploratory behaviour in male mice. However, no consistent effects of PBO treatment were observed in female mice. This study aimed to evaluate PBO's neurobehavioral effects in female mice. Female mice were exposed to PBO through diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.025%, 0.1%, and 0.4% from 5 to 12 weeks of age, and selected behavioural parameters were measured. The average female body weight showed no significant effect from PBO treatment through the experimental periods. Regarding multiple-T water maze performance at 10 weeks of age, no significant effect caused by PBO treatment was observed. Exploratory behaviour examination of 8-week-old female mice indicated that the average speed declined in a significant dose-related manner, and the longitudinal pattern indicated a significant difference between the control and high-dose groups. For exploratory behaviour examination at 11 weeks of age, the total exploration distance shortened in a significant dose-related manner, and the average speed declined similarly. These longitudinal patterns showed significant differences between the control and high-dose groups. The PBO dose levels in this study produced several adverse effects on exploratory behaviour in female mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the intervention effect of CD147 on learning and memory ability in rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods A total of 60 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and CD147 group, 20 rats in each group. All of the rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal injection of 10% chloral hydrate (0.3 g/kg). The rats in the model group and the CD147 group were injected with Aβ1-40 (10 μg) in the bilateral hippocampal CA1 regions, while the rats in the sham operation group were injected with the same amount of saline at the same sites. After 48 h, the rats in CD147 group were injected with CD147 cDNA in the bilateral ventricles, while the rats in model group and sham operation group were injected the same amount of saline at the same sites. Morris water maze test was used to detect the ability of learning and memory of rats. The expressions of β amyloid protein (Aβ) and γ-secretase were detected by Western blot assay. Results The escape latency was significantly longer in model group than that of sham operation group, while which was significantly lower in CD147 group than that of model group (P<0.05). The number of times across the platform and the time of staying on platform were significantly lower in model group than those of sham operation group, while which was significantly higher in the CD147 group than that of model group (P<0.05). The expressions of Aβ and γ-secretase were increased significantly in model group compared to those of sham operation group, while which were significantly decreased in CD147 group compared with those of model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exogenous CD147 can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats, and its specific mechanism may be related to regulating the activity of γ-secretase and down regulating the expression of Aβ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of high-altitude environment on cognitive function and ultrastructure in CA1 region of the hippocampus of Wistar rats in sleep deprivation (SD). Methods SD was induced in Wistar rats by employing "flower pot" technique. Sixty-four rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: Lanzhou group (at an altitude of 1520 m) and Kekexili group (at an altitude of 4767 m), and each group was further divided into 4 subgroups according to the time of SD (0, 1, 3 and 5 d). The behaviors of rats were studied by Morris water maze test at given time points. The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results 1) Compared with Lanzhou group, rat behavior of Kekexili group presented excitement-irritation-suppression changes with the extension of SD time, but the extent was weakened gradually, and time of sleepiness increased obviously. 2) Compared with Lanzhou group, neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus showed enlarged cell body, disappeared nuclear membrane, shrunken nuclei and decreased organelle. End-feet of glia cells sticking to capillaries swelled and ruptured, and the typical synaptic structure disappeared. 3) Morris water maze test: as compared with Lanzhou group, the escape latency of Kekexili group prolonged (P < 0.05, for all), the ability of distance exploration increased (P < 0.05, for all), and the times across plot decreased (P < 0.05, for all) in 1, 3 and 5 d of SD. Conclusions High-altitude environment may significantly influence the cognitive function of rats in SD, and there was close correlation between the cognitive disorders and the changes in the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 region. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.04.012

Background: Here, we established the mouse models of chronic toxoplasmosis by T. gondii Tehran strain to provide a good understanding about defining the possible association between T. gondii exposure and learning and memory impairments. Moreover, as secondary objective of the present study, we hypothesized whether administration of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor could reduce learning and memory impairments induced by T. gondii infection. Methods: Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were used to establishment of latent toxoplasmosis. The animal model of Toxoplasma infection was established by the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from Tehran strain of T. gondii. Donepezil (2 mg/kg) an AChE inhibitor to treat Alzheimer disease was injected intraperitoneally once a day for two weeks starting from post-infection day 90. Morris water maze (MWM) task was used to assay spatial learning and short term spatial memory in all groups. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test was used to assess differences between experimental groups. P

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants in various environmental matrices and organisms and pose a threat to neural systems of organisms. However, though quite a few studies have explored the effect of PBDEs on neural behaviors such as learning and memory abilities in animals, their mechanisms are less known. We used the zebrafish model to evaluate neurotoxicity of PBDEs and observe changes in behavior and related gene expression. In behavioral testing, 50 zebrafish were divided into five groups treated with different concentrations of BDE-47. T-maze exploration was used for learning and memory testing, which was recorded by camera every 7 days. After 21 days, all fish were killed, and the gene expression of c-fos , bcl-2 , lingo1b and grin1b in brain tissue was analyzed by RT-qPCR. The behavioral changes (latency to leave the start zone, reach the reward zone, and stay in the reward zone; accuracy in choosing the right maze arm, accumulation of freezing bouts, etc.) were related to BDE-47 concentration and had a time–effect relation with increasing exposure days, especially with 500 μg/L BDE-47. BDE-47 elevated brain bcl-2 , grin1b and lingo1b expression. The expression of c-fos showed an increase with 50 and 100 μg/L BDE-47 exposure. The PBDE BDE-47 had a negative impact on the neurobehaviors of zebrafish and affected the expression of c-fos , bcl-2 , lingo1b and grin1b in zebrafish brain tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rats, mice and other rodents are well-known for their ability to solve complex spatial tasks, such as learning to negotiate complicated mazes. This ability might be an adaptation for the fossorial habit that characterizes most rodents, but the scarcity of data from other taxa prevents us from confirming this hypothesis. We tested guppies, Poecilia reticulata , for their ability to navigate a maze consisting of six consecutive T-junctions. Guppies learned to solve the complex maze, and both the number of errors and the time to exit significantly decreased during the training period, which consisted of 30 trials over 5 test days. Guppies reached 68% correct responses on the first day of training and they exceeded 80% correct responses by the last day of training. We found no difference between a condition in which colour cues made each T-junction distinct from the others and a condition with no such cues. In contrast with the male advantage in spatial tasks previously observed in guppies, we found a small but significant female advantage in complex maze learning. Our work suggests that the ability to learn complex mazes is not a prerogative of those species that inhabit burrow systems such as mice and rats, but it might be common in vertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extremely low frequency (0-300 Hz) fields from power lines, electronic equipment and medical devices, have been reported to produce various biological effects. Global system for mobile (GSM) is most largely used in everybody's life. This system utilizes a low frequency band as well as a high frequency range of electromagnetic field. This study investigated the effects of 217 Hz electromagnetic field (the modulating signal in GSM) on spatial learning and memory in rat.Methods: Twenty four male Wistar rat (200- 250 g) were randomly divided in to three groups as: test, sham and control. Using a Helmholtz coil system, the test group was exposed to a uniform pulsed EMF of 200 µT (micro Tesla) intensity for 4 h/day for 21 days (2 time in a day). This procedure was repeated for the sham group but with no field. All groups were trained prior to the day 21 on the 15th day for five days four trial per day in Morris Water-Maze system. Then the probe test was carried out for 60 seconds with no platform.Results: The ANOVA test revealed that no significant differences were found between control and exposed rats in all day of learning acquisition. Also, in probe test for investigating the memory, no significant differences observed. (P≤0.05 is accepted for significant level.Conclusion: This finding is in consistent with previous studies and indicates low frequency band of electromagnetic fields (EMF) (200 µT intensity) in cell phone may not have any effect on the learning acquisition and spatial memory in rat.

• Return to home cage is an effective reward for maze-learning in laboratory rats. • Manual removal by an experimenter from the goal box of a maze has a negative effect on the home cage reward. • Effectiveness of the direct home cage reward is comparable to a food reward. This study examined the effectiveness in rats of 'returning to home cage' as a reward for learning a Lashley III maze. Rats could return to their home cage directly (Direct HC group) or they could be removed manually by an experimenter from the maze's goal box (Indirect HC group). In the third group, hungry rats received a food reward in the goal box (Food group). The Direct HC group reliably learned the maze and its performance was very similar to that of the Food group. In contrast, performance by the Indirect HC group was significantly poorer than the Direct HC group, as well as the Food group, possibly due to the negative impact of handling during removal from the goal box. These results suggest that a 'home cage reward' is as effective a procedure for rats in maze learning as previously reported in mice (Blizard et al., 2003 , 2006). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus affects numerous intracellular metabolic processes, which are reflected by changes in the concentration of some plasma constituents. Particularly, the disease may indirectly undermine some functions of the nervous system including learning and memory through altering oxidative stress status. On the other hand, probiotics can enhance the antioxidant capacity. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on spatial memory, maze learning and indices of oxidative stress in diabetic rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups (n=10 for each): Control (CO), Control probiotic (CP), Control diabetic (DC), and Diabetic probiotic (DP). The probiotic supplement, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium lactis (334 mg of each with a CFU of ~1010), was administered through drinking water every 12 hours for 8 weeks. Using morris water maze (MWM), spatial learning and memory were evaluated. Serum insulin and oxidative stress indices, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were measured by standard laboratory kits.Results: Oral administration of probiotics improved impairment of spatial learning (P=0.008) and consolidated memory (P=0.01) in the rats. Moreover, probiotic treatment increased serum insulin (P

Introduction: Studies have proposed that royal jelly(RJ) has various biological activities in different cells and tissues. Since it has been demonstrated that RJ contains compounds having desirable effects on central neurons system and neural functions, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of royal jelly on learning and memory in rats. Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into two groups, the royal jelly and the control. In the RJ group, the rats received a food that contained 3% RJ instead of regular food for 10 days. Then learning and memory were investigated in these animals through both passive avoidance learning test(1 day and 1 week after receiving electrical shock) and Morris water maze test(1 day and 1 week after a 4-day learning period). Results: The study results indicated that the food containing RJ in the RJ group significantly increased the time of the first entrance to the dark room one week after the electrical shock in passive avoidance learning test. In other words, the findings suggest an improvement of learning and memory in RJ group. In the acquisition phase of Morris water maze test, rats receiving RJ found the underwater escape plate during less time and distance comparing with the control group. Furthermore, one week after the acquisition phase, in the retention phase, rats spent more time in the quadrant in which the escape plate was previously located. Conclusion: The present study findings propose that Royal Jelly can improve cognitive processes through positive effects on neural functions and probably has a significant influence on prevention and therapy of some neuronal disorders.

Wasp venom is mixture of complex proteins that have several physical and pharmacological properties. The photochemical detoxification of Vespa orientalis venom is expected to generate photooxidized venom sac extract (PVSE). Antigenically active PVSE is obtained by exposing the venom sac extract (VSE) of Vespa orientalis to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of methylene blue. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of PVSE on learning and memory of rats. Detoxification of PVSE was evident since treated mice had longer survival time than the group of mice treated with VSE. Photooxidized VSE of V. orientalis revealed enhancement on learning and memory by shortening the time to reach food (TRF) in T-maze. In a 28-day study with rats, we observed that PVSE significantly decreased transfer latency (TL) in elevated plus maze (EPM), significantly increased step down latency (SDL), diminished step down errors (SDE) and time spent in shock zone (TSS) in step down avoidance test. Thus, we concluded that although there is a possibility of employing PVSE in the treatment of Alzheimer, dementia or neurodegenerative illness as a non-herbal and non-synthetic alternative for patients who do not respond to available therapy, further investigation is still required.

"n 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Background: Numerous evidences indicate that various environmental stresses during pregnancy affect physiological behavior of the offspring. This experimental study was designed to investigate the effect of noise stress during prenatal period of rats on spatial learning and memory and plasma corticostrone level in postnatal life."n"nMethods: Three groups of pregnant rats were given daily noise stress with durations of two and/ or four hours in last week of pregnancy period. The fourth group was left unstressed. The male offspring from the unstressed and different stressed groups were assigned as controls and stressed groups. The animals were introduced to a spatial task in Morris water maze 4 trials/day for five consecutive days. The probe test was performed on the 5th day of the experiment. The delay in findings and the distance passed to locate the target platform were assessed as the spatial learning. "n"nResults: Our results showed that prenatal exposure to noise stress for two and/ or four hours a day, leads to impaired acquisition of spatial learning in the postnatal animals. The plasma level of corticostrone in the two stressed groups of rats markedly matched with their behavioral function. Prenatal exposure to 1- hour noise stress revealed no effects on the offsprings' behavior and plasma corticostrone level."n"nConclusion: Based on our study results, it seems that applied range of stress which is executed through the noise stress could increase the plasma corticostrone level and could decrease spatial learning and memory of adult male offspring.

"n Objective: "n The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receive histaminergic neurons from tuberomammillary nuclei. There are reports indicating that central histamine systems are involved in many physiological behavioral processes, including anxiety. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the histaminergic system of the NAc is involved in anxiety-related behaviors. Methods: Rats were anesthetized with intra-peritoneal injection of ketamine hydrochloride, plus xylazine and then were placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. In addition, two stainless-steel cannuale were placed 2 mm above the nucleus accumbens shell. Seven days after recovery from surgery, the behavioral testing was started. As a model of anxiety, the elevated plus maze which is a useful test to investigate the effects of anxiogenic or anxiolytic drugs in rodents, was used in male Wistar rats. "nResults: Intra-NAc administration of histamine (0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) increased the percentage of open arm time (%OAT) and open arm entries (%OAE) ,but not locomotor activity, indicating an anxiolytic response. Furthermore, bilateral microinjections of different doses of the H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) or the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) into the NAc increased %OAT and %OAE , but not locomotor activity. However, both histamine and histamine receptor antagonists showed an anxiolytic-like effect ; the antagonists (1 µg/rat) also decreased the histamine response. "n "n Conclusion: The results may indicate a modulatory effect for the H1 and H2 histamine receptors of nucleus accumbens in the anxiety behavior of rats.

Female mice were exposed maternally to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) through diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.015, 0.03, and 0.06% during gestation and lactation periods, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in F1 generation. There was no adverse effect of PBO on litter size, litter weight, or sex ratio at birth. The average body weights of offspring showed no significant effects of PBO treatment through the lactation period in both sexes except for the low-dose group of females on PND 21. With respect to behavioral developmental parameters, swimming direction of female offspring on PND 7 was significantly accelerated in the low-dose group ( p = 0.022). Exploratory behavior examination in male offspring indicated that total distance and movement time shortened significantly in dose-related manners ( p = 0.0138 and 0.00231, respectively), average time of rearing lengthened significantly in a dose-related manner ( p = 0.00814), and the frequencies of mice with urination was increased significantly in a dose-related manner ( p < 0.05). For spontaneous behavior examination, the average time of movement in males and average time of rearing in females showed slightly dose-related effects in the F1 generation. The dose levels of PBO in the present study produced some adverse effects in neurobehavioral parameters in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Here, we established the mouse models of chronic toxoplasmosis by T. gondii Tehran strain to provide a good understanding about defining the possible association between T. gondii exposure and learning and memory impairments. Moreover, as secondary objective of the present study, we hypothesized whether administration of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor could reduce learning and memory impairments induced by T. gondii infection. Methods: Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were used to establishment of latent toxoplasmosis. The animal model of Toxoplasma infection was established by the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from Tehran strain of T. gondii. Donepezil (2 mg/kg) an AChE inhibitor to treat Alzheimer disease was injected intraperitoneally once a day for two weeks starting from post-infection day 90. Morris water maze (MWM) task was used to assay spatial learning and short term spatial memory in all groups. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test was used to assess differences between experimental groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Toxoplasma infection impaired spatial leaning and short term spatial memory of the infected BALB/c mice, whereas donepezil, an AChE inhibitor, improved impairments induced by Toxoplasma infection. Conclusion: T. gondii infection through increasing AChE reduces the level of Acetylcholine (Ach) and consequently affects learning and memory activity in infected hosts, whereas, donepezil as an AChE inhibitor improves these impairments by restoring ACh levels at synapses of neurons in brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female mice were exposed maternally to piperonyl butoxide (PBO) through diet to provide dietary levels of 0% (control), 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.09% during gestation and lactation periods, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in the F1 generation. There was no adverse effect of PBO on litter size, litterweight, or sex ratio at birth. The average body weights of male offspring decreased significantly in dose-related manners on postnatal days (PNDs) 0, 4, 7, and 14 (p = 0.0019, 0.0096, 0.033, and 0.038, respectively) during the lactation period. In female offspring, the average body weights decreased in dose-related manners on PNDs 0, 4, 7, and 14 (p = 0.0027, 0.0104, 0.0193, and 0.0062, respectively). The survival of dams slightly decreased (p = 0.0209) in the high-dose group during the lactation period. With respect to behavioral developmental parameters, surface righting on PND 7 of male and female offspring was delayed significantly in a dose-related manner (p < 0.001 in each). Swimming direction on PND 7 of male offspring was delayed significantly in a dose-related manner (p < 0.01), and for female offspring it was delayed significantly in the high-dose group (p < 0.05). Swimming head angle on PND 7 of male offspring was delayed significantly in a dose-related manner (p < 0.05). Spontaneous behavior examination in males indicated that rearing increased in the high-dose group in the F1 generation. The dose levels of PBO in the present study produced some adverse effects in neurobehavioral parameters in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the motor learning in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). It was evaluated 28 individuals (16.28 ± 2.89 years old on average) with DS (EG) and with typical development (CG) in the phases: Acquisition (the computer maze performed 30 times); Retention (5 more repetitions); Transfer (on a sheet of paper in 5 repetitions). Improvement was verified on the first time (EG=23.58±2.27s; CG=7.21±0.70s) for the Acquisition last block (EG=19.18±2.73s; CG=5.52±0.22s) for both groups. In the Retention the EG and CG kept the average task execution time (EG=19.23±1.01s; CG=5.02±0.14s) in comparison to the last Acquisition's block. In the Transfer the EG increased timing average and the CG kept (EG=23.98±2.86; CG=5.02±0.05s), in relation to Retention, all findings being significant (p<.0001), fact that demonstrate the individuals with DS shows lower performance and not the motor learning consolidation in maze task performed real interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence supports a critical role for the dorsal striatum in cognitive as well as motor control. Both lesions and in vivo recordings demonstrate a transition in the engaged dorsal striatal subregion, from dorsomedial to dorsolateral, as skill performance shifts from an attentive phase to a more automatic or habitual phase. What are the neural mechanisms supporting the cognitive and behavioral transitions in skill learning? To pursue this question, we used T-maze training during which rats transition from early, attentive (dorsomedial) to late habitual (dorsolateral) performance. Following early or late training, we performed the first direct comparison of bidirectional synaptic plasticity in striatal brain slices, and the first evaluation of striatal synaptic plasticity by hemisphere relative to a learned turn. Consequently, we find that long-term potentiation and long-term depression are independently modulated with learning rather than reciprocally linked as previously suggested. Our results establish that modulation of evoked synaptic plasticity with learning depends on striatal subregion, training stage, and hemisphere relative to the learned turn direction. Exclusive to the contralateral hemisphere, intrinsic excitability is enhanced in dorsomedial relative to dorsolateral medium spiny neurons early in training and population responses are dampened late in training. Neuronal reconstructions indicate dendritic remodeling after training, which may represent a novel form of pruning. In conclusion, we describe region- and hemisphere-specific changes in striatal synaptic, intrinsic, and morphological plasticity which correspond to T-maze learning stages, and which may play a role in the cognitive transition between attentive and habitual strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extract of Coriandrum Sativum L., commonly known as coriander, belonging to the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferae), is cultivated throughout the world for its nutritional value. C. sativum was shown to enhance cognitive performance and recover memory deficit. On the other hand, epilepsy induces cognitive disorders; learning and memory deficits in different animal models. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of C. sativum on water maze learning and memory of epileptic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, C. sativum extract was injected intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days to experimental animals. Pilocarpine was administered (i.p.) to induce epileptic convulsions. Morris water maze (MWM) apparatus served as the behavioral model for testing spatial learning and memory. Latency to locate the platform, swimming distance and velocity were employed as variables in acquisition and probe trials, while crossing and proximity were only used in probe test. Results: The latency and distance to reach the hidden platform increased in pilocarpine treated rats. C. sativum extract decreased the latency and distance to platform compared with control and more prominently compared with epileptic group. Pilocarpine convulsions increased the platform location latency, but C. sativum extract did not reverse this seizure induced latency increase. Conversely, C. sativum extract reversed the seizure induced proximity increase. Conclusion: C. sativum extract may be a useful remedy in the management of epilepsy induced learning and memory impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Healthy aging is associated with functional declines in mobility and cognition among both humans and non-human animals. OBJECTIVE: This study combines human measures of mobility and cognition to develop a test battery for evaluating the effects of dietary supplements among older adults. Selected measures parallel behavior tasks used to assess the efficacy of dietary interventions in rodent models of aging. METHODS: Seventy six healthy adults, between the ages of 21 and 75, completed a 1 hour mobility and cognition assessment. Postural sway and spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured using a Zebris™ instrumented treadmill system. A computer-based virtual water maze and the trail-making test were used to assess spatial memory and executive function, respectively. RESULTS: Sway velocity during quiet standing increased with age. Preferred gait speed declined with age and changes in the gait cycle reveal an age-related increase in total double support during normal walking. In the virtual water maze, latency to locate a hidden or visible platform increased with age; meanwhile, probe test performance declined with age. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy adults show age-related declines in measures of mobility and cognition. These measures are a useful tool for translating research on dietary interventions to older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the effects of L-carnitine on memory and body weight in SPF KM mice and SD rats. Methods In October 2016, 40 SPF KM mice and 20 SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, low L-carnitine group(LCL) and high L-carnitine group(HCL), 10 KM mice and 5 SD rats in each group. The groups were respectively given normal saline, L-carnitine(10.8,21.6 mg/kg) and acetyl-L-carnitine(20.0 mg/kg) for continuous 90 d,twice daily. The maze test was conducted once every 45 d. KM mice were weighed once every 3 d and SD rats were weighed once every 6 d. Results The memory after 90 d medication in the HCL group and LCL group was significantly lower than that in the blank group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the time for KM mice walking maze had no statistical difference between the HCL group and LCL group(F=0.103,P>0.05); the time of SD rats walking maze before and after medication had no statistical difference between the medication groups and blank group(P>0.05); the body mass before and after medication in KM mice and SD rats of each group had no statistical difference compared with the blank group(P>0.05). Conclusion Different doses of L-carnitine medication for 90 d can decrease the animal memory, but different doses have little influence on the memory, moreover have no influence on the body mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental loss of occlusal support caused by the extraction or grinding of molar teeth has been reported to foment the impairment of learning and memory in laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of occlusal reconstruction after long-term loss of molars on spatial memory by using 8-arm radial maze and by assessing histopathological changes of neuron density in the hippocampus. Experimental dentures were inserted into the oral cavities of molarless rats to recover the occlusal support. Age-matched groups of control, molarless and denture-wearing rats were trained to perform the maze tasks. The difference of the error incidence in the maze task was evaluated between three groups. The difference of neuron density between three groups was also evaluated at the end of the maze task. Serum corticosterone levels were also measured to estimate the chronic stress, which could be caused by extraction, insertion of the experimental denture or any experimental procedure. The error incidence in the denture-wearing group was significantly higher than that of the control group, but significantly lower than that of the molarless group. Significant differences of neuron density were observed between three groups in each of the hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG subfields. No significant difference of the serum corticosterone levels between three groups could be observed. From the results of this study, it was suggested that the recovery of occlusal support would bring amelioration of cognitive impairment concomitant with long period loss of molars in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male and female mice were housed in cages, containing different types of bedding materials (wood flakes or pulp chips), from 4 weeks of age in the F0 generation to 11 weeks of age in the F1 generation; selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in the F1 generation. There were no adverse effects of bedding materials on litter size, litter weight, or sex ratios at the time of birth. With regard to behavioral development parameters, bedding materials did not influence any variables ( p > 0.05) in both sexes. Regarding exploratory behavior in the F1 generation, number of defecations significantly varied ( p = 0.0203) with bedding materials in males at 3 weeks of age. The number of horizontal activities also significantly varied ( p = 0.0342) with bedding materials in males at 8 weeks of age. Multiple-T water maze performance data indicated that the time required was significantly shortened across trials in pulp chips group than wood flakes group in males ( p = 0.0211). Moreover, all spontaneous behavior variables in males significantly varied with bedding materials, particularly the average time of movement was significantly different ( p = 0.0037) in distance between parallel lines of types of bedding materials in the F1 generation. The present study shows that bedding materials influence the neurobehavioral development in mice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid metabolism and genetic background together strongly influence the development of both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). A non-pharmacological way to prevent the genotype-induced occurrence of these pathologies is given by dietary behavior. In the present study, we tested the effects of long-term consumption of a specific multi-nutrient diet in two models for atherosclerosis and vascular risk factors in AD: the apolipoprotein ε4 (apoE4) and the apoE knockout (apoE ko) mice. This specific multi-nutrient diet was developed to support neuronal membrane synthesis and was expected to contribute to the maintenance of vascular health. At 12 months of age, both genotypes showed behavioral changes compared to control mice and we found increased neurogenesis in apoE ko mice. The specific multi-nutrient diet decreased anxiety-related behavior in the open field, influenced sterol composition in serum and brain tissue, and increased the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. Furthermore, we found that wild-type and apoE ko mice fed with this multi-nutrient diet showed locally increased cerebral blood volume and decreased hippocampal glutamate levels. Taken together, these data suggest that a specific dietary intervention has beneficial effects on early pathological consequences of hypercholesterolemia and vascular risk factors for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of high-altitude environment on cognitive function and ultrastructure in CA1 region of the hippocampus of Wistar rats in sleep deprivation (SD). Methods SD was induced in Wistar rats by employing "flower pot" technique. Sixty-four rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: Lanzhou group (at an altitude of 1520 m) and Kekexili group (at an altitude of 4767 m), and each group was further divided into 4 subgroups according to the time of SD (0, 1, 3 and 5 d). The behaviors of rats were studied by Morris water maze test at given time points. The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results 1) Compared with Lanzhou group, rat behavior of Kekexili group presented excitement-irritation-suppression changes with the extension of SD time, but the extent was weakened gradually, and time of sleepiness increased obviously. 2) Compared with Lanzhou group, neurons in CA1 region of hippocampus showed enlarged cell body, disappeared nuclear membrane, shrunken nuclei and decreased organelle. End - feet of glia cells sticking to capillaries swelled and ruptured, and the typical synaptic structure disappeared. 3) Morris water maze test: as compared with Lanzhou group, the escape latency of Kekexili group prolonged (P < 0.05, for all), the ability of distance exploration increased (P < 0.05, for all), and the times across plot decreased (P < 0.05, for all) in 1, 3 and 5 d of SD. Conclusions High-altitude environment may significantly influence the cognitive function of rats in SD, and there was close correlation between the cognitive disorders and the changes in the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeybees can easily be trained to perform different types of discrimination tasks under controlled laboratory conditions. This review describes a range of experiments carried out with free-flying forager honeybees under such conditions. The research done over the past thirty or so years suggests that cognitive abilities (learning and perception) in insects are more intricate and flexible than was originally imagined. It has become apparent that honeybees are capable of a variety of visually guided tasks, involving decision making that operates at a surprisingly high level. Decision making in honeybees is always flexible. The trained animals learn how to solve a task, and do so with a high accuracy, but when they are presented with a new variation of the task, they apply the learnt rules from the earlier setup to the new situation, and solve the new task as well. Honeybees therefore not only feature a rich behavioural repertoire to choose from, but also make decisions most apt to the current situation. The experiments in this review give an insight into the environmental cues and cognitive resources that are probably highly significant for a forager bee that must continually make decisions regarding patches of resources to be exploited.

Objective: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) receive histaminergic neurons from tuberomammillary nuclei. There are reports indicating that central histamine systems are involved in many physiological behavioral processes, including anxiety. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the histaminergic system of the NAc is involved in anxiety-related behaviors. Methods: Rats were anesthetized with intra-peritoneal injection of ketamine hydrochloride, plus xylazine and then were placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. In addition, two stainless-steel cannuale were placed 2 mm above the nucleus accumbens shell. Seven days after recovery from surgery, the behavioral testing was started. As a model of anxiety, the elevated plus maze which is a useful test to investigate the effects of anxiogenic or anxiolytic drugs in rodents, was used in male Wistar rats. Results: Intra-NAc administration of histamine (0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) increased the percentage of open arm time (%OAT) and open arm entries (%OAE) ,but not locomotor activity, indicating an anxiolytic response. Furthermore, bilateral microinjections of different doses of the H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) or the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µg/rat) into the NAc increased %OAT and %OAE , but not locomotor activity. However, both histamine and histamine receptor antagonists showed an anxiolytic-like effect ; the antagonists (1 µg/rat) also decreased the histamine response. Conclusion: The results may indicate a modulatory effect for the H1 and H2 histamine receptors of nucleus accumbens in the anxiety behavior of rats.

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol abundant in grapes and red wine, has been reported to exert numerous beneficial health effects. Among others, acute neuroprotective effects of resveratrol have been reported in several models of neurodegeneration, both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we examined the neuroprotective effects of long term dietary supplementation with resveratrol in mice on behavioral, neurochemical and cerebrovascular level. We report a preserved cognitive function in resveratrol treated aging mice, as shown by an enhanced acquisition of a spatial Y-maze task. This was paralleled by a higher microvascular density and a lower number of microvascular abnormalities in comparison to aging non-treated control animals. We found no effects of resveratrol supplementation on cholinergic cell number or fiber density. The present findings support the hypothesis that resveratrol exerts beneficial effects on the brain by maintaining cerebrovascular health. Via this mechanism resveratrol can contribute to the preservation of cognitive function during aging.

Copyright of ConScientiae Saúde is the property of Nove de Julho University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Complex organisms exhibit both evolved instincts and experiential learning as adaptive mechanisms. In isolation, neither mechanism is sufficient to successfully navigate the environments of such organisms. Instincts provide behaviors that are generally adaptive but fail in specific cases. Learning must rely on some internal or external guidance to succeed on challenging tasks. This paper explores how instincts and experiential learning can work in tandem to solve a maze environment. Specifically, instincts comprise general knowledge of a set of related mazes representing worlds that an organism might be born into, and experiential learning discriminates specific situations in the particular maze world that an organism is born into. Synergy is accomplished by a hybrid neural network, one part instinctive and the other part capable of learning. After sufficient discriminating experiences, learning can override instinct to navigate a maze when instinct would otherwise fail. Results show a marked improvement in performance when this synergistic approach is employed relative to using either instincts or learning in isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested a pathogenetic role of autoantibodies (Abs) against ATP synthase (ATPs) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a mouse model, we found that intracerebroventricular administration of anti-ATPs-Abs, purified from AD patients, leads to poor cognitive performance and pronounced cell damage in the hippocampus, a brain region specifically involved in learning and memory processes, which is severely affected in AD. Our results are suggestive of a role of anti-ATPs-Abs in the onset and progression of AD and also provide a fruitful model for the study of memory disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for molecules that may alter the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protofibrils, it has been shown that the Nogo-system can interact and bind to amyloid-β protein precursor and thus affect the amount of Aβ that is formed and deposited in the brain. To further address this issue in vivo, we crossed mice that overexpress Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), 'MemoFlex', in forebrain neurons, with plaque forming APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) mice, to investigate if increased levels of NgR1 would influence plaque load or cognitive function in the resulting MemoFlex/APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) transgenic mice. We used a radial arm water maze and the Morris water maze to measure cognitive function. We did not find any significant effect of NgR1 overexpression on the performance of APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) mice in the radial arm water maze test. However, MemoFlex/APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) mice were found to be significantly impaired in the Morris water maze. We also analyzed the amount of plaques in the two mouse models without finding any significant difference in plaque load in the cerebral cortex or the hippocampal formation. It therefore appears that overexpression of NgR1 in APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) mice does not have any marked effects on Aβ levels, yet appears to impair spatial cognitive abilities. We conclude that strong overexpression of NgR1 in forebrain neurons impairs aspects of cognitive function but does not markedly alter plaque load in plaque-forming APPswe/PSEN1(ΔE9) mice. Thus high levels of membrane-bound NgR1 present since early postnatal life does not influence the development of plaques in mice carrying the two human plaque-causing mutations APPswe and PSEN1(ΔE9). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a mood stabilizer lamotrigine (LMG) on learning and memory processes using Morris water maze (MWM), modified elevated plus maze (mEPM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests. Main methods: Balb-c mice were used. LMG were injected (20; 40mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) into mice before the probe trial of MWM test and before the acquisition session of mEPM and PA tests. Key findings: On the probe trial of MWM test, LMG (40mg/kg) significantly prolonged the “time spent in target quadrant” compared to control and LMG (20mg/kg). LMG (40mg/kg) decreased the “distance to platform” compared to control. Both doses of LMG did not change the “swim speed” of animals. In the mEPM test, in comparison of transfer latency on the first day and transfer latency on the second day for each group, transfer latency on the second day was significantly decreased in the control and LMG-treated groups. Second day transfer latencies compared in-between the group transfer latency of on second days significantly decreased by LMG (20mg/kg and 40mg/kg) treatment compared to control. In the PA test, retention latency significantly prolonged by LMG (40mg/kg) treatment compared to control and LMG (20mg/kg). Significance: Our results may indicate that, LMG may have some ameliorating effects on spatial memory retrieval on the MWM test. LMG positively affected the acquisition of memory in the mEPM and in the PA test in naive mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Assess efficacy, satisfaction and usefulness of an educational maze based on posters and audioguide for major trauma care teaching to medical students. The educational maze consists of posters with audio comments recorded in an audioguide. This tool was part of a larger educational program including medical simulation. Study design: Prospective, interventional, observational, monocentric study. Student: Medical student of Grenoble University Hospital, in the four last years of medical school, following a training course in anesthesia, emergency medical services and intensive care units. Method: Forty essentials key messages for major trauma management were included in 10 posters and audioguides. A first assessment with short opened answers was handed to the students at the end of the educational maze to assess their memorization. A second assessment with simple choice answers regarding satisfaction and usefulness of this new educational tool was realized at the end of the entire program. Result: One hundred and eighty-four medical students attending the major trauma program were included in this study. On the first test, 75% of essential knowledge on major trauma management was memorized by more than 50% of the medical students. On the second test, 94% of medical students had a high satisfaction level of this educational maze. Conclusion: An educational maze based on posters and audioguides seems to be an efficient, useful tool for teaching essential knowledge on major trauma management to medical students. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a complicated metabolic disorder that can impair both spatial learning and memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc and melatonin supplements on spatial learning and memory in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 5 groups of male Wistar rats (n=10 for each): the control animals (C); diabetic adult rats with a normal diet (D); diabetic animals receiving 227 mg/l zinc in drinking water (D+Z); diabetic rats receiving 150 mg/l melatonin in drinking water (D+M); and diabetic rats receiving both supplements (D+ZM). Supplementation was started 5 days before induction of diabetes with streptozocin (60 mg/kg, single dose). Twenty days later, the spatial learning was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) for 5 consecutive days (4 trials per day). The spatial memory retrieval was estimated on the last day. The serum levels of glucose and insulin were also measured. Results: Diabetic rats spent more time and traveled more distance to find the hidden platform than the controls in the learning stage (P<0.0001). They also spent less time (P=0.004) and passed a shorter distance in the target quadrant over the probe trial. Supplementation with zinc and melatonin inhibited the spatial learning and memory impairment in diabetic animals. Conclusion: Zinc and melatonin Supplementation seem to improve the induced impaired spatial learning and memory in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study conducted in two Chinese universities which examined the effect of electromagnetic field exposure on the behavior and neural regeneration of rats. In the randomized controlled study, Wistar rats were exposed to a 916-megahertz (MHz) mobile phone electromagnetic field for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Error rates among exposed rats in their average completion times in an 8-arm radial maze were recorded. Key findings and study highlights are noted.

Honeybees can easily be trained to perform different types of discrimination tasks under controlled laboratory conditions. This review describes a range of experiments carried out with free-flying forager honeybees under such conditions. The research done over the past 30 or so years suggests that cognitive abilities (learning and perception) in insects are more intricate and flexible than was originally imagined. It has become apparent that honeybees are capable of a variety of visually guided tasks, involving decision making under challenging situations: this includes simultaneously making use of different sensory modalities, such as vision and olfaction, and learning to use abstract concepts such as "sameness" and "difference." Many studies have shown that decision making in foraging honeybees is highly flexible. The trained animals learn how to solve a task, and do so with a high accuracy, but when they are presented with a new variation of the task, they apply the learnt rules from the earlier setup to the new situation, and solve the new task as well. Honeybees therefore not only feature a rich behavioral repertoire to choose from, but also make decisions most apt to the current situation. The experiments in this review give an insight into the environmental cues and cognitive resources that are probably highly significant for a forager bee that must continually make decisions regarding patches of resources to be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Acupuncture & Tuina Science is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)