Abstract
Rationale: Although much evidence supports a major role of brain cholinergic transmission in memory consolidation processes, little is known about cholinergic functioning under environmental pressure. Objectives: The present experiments were aimed at investigating possible functional adaptation of muscarinic receptors promoted by a chronic stressful procedure in an inbred strain of mice highly susceptible to stress. Methods: We tested the effects of post-trial administration of a cholinergic agonist and a muscarinic antagonist on the retention of a passive avoidance task in control animals and compared these effects with those observed following food restriction. Results: Food restriction enhanced the facilitatory effects of oxotremorine and reduced the impairing effects of atropine on memory consolidation. Conclusion: Our results support the view that chronic sensitization of muscarinic receptors occurs following chronic stress.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 144-147 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Psychopharmacology |
Volume | 155 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- Acetylcholine
- Animal models
- Aversive context
- Dopamine
- Food restriction
- Memory
- Mice
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology