Harmaline-induced amnesia: Possible role of the amygdala dopaminergic system.

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effect of bilateral intra-basolateral amygdala (intra-BLA) microinjections of dopamine receptor agents on amnesia induced by a β-carboline alkaloid, harmaline in mice. We used a step-down method to assess memory and then, hole-board method to assess exploratory behaviors. The results showed that pre-training intra-BLA injections of dopamine D1 receptor antagonist and agonist (SCH23390 (0.5μg/mouse) and SKF38393 (0.5μg/mouse), respectively) impaired memory acquisition. In contrast, pre-training intra-BLA injections of dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and agonist (sulpiride and quinpirole, respectively) have no significant effect on memory acquisition. Pre-training intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injection of harmaline (1mg/kg) decreased memory acquisition. However, co-administration of SCH 23390 (0.01μg/mouse) with different doses of harmaline did not alter amnesia. Conversely, pre-training intra-BLA injection of SKF38393 (0.1μg/mouse), sulpiride (0.25μg/mouse) or quinpirole (0.1μg/mouse) reversed harmaline (1mg/kg, i.p.)-induced amnesia. Furthermore, all above doses of drugs had no effect on locomotor activity. In conclusion, the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors of the BLA may be involved in the impairment of memory acquisition induced by harmaline.

• Authors: M Nasehi, M Meskarian, F Khakpai, M-R Zarrindast
• Journal: Neuroscience (Neuroscience) Vol. 312 Pg. 1-9 (Jan 15 2016) ISSN: 1873-7544 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26556066 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Dopamine Agonists
• Dopamine Antagonists
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Harmaline

Topics

• Amnesia (chemically induced)
• Animals
• Basolateral Nuclear Complex (drug effects)
• Behavior, Animal (drug effects)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Dopamine Agonists (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Dopamine Antagonists (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Harmaline (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Male
• Mice
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (administration & dosage, pharmacology)