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Modulation of the hippocampus glucocorticoid receptor affects consolidation of spatial memory in rats
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A Vafaei   , A Rashidy-Pour |
| , aavaf43@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (18401 Views) |
| Introduction: There is strong evidence to indicate that release of glucocorticoids from adrenal glands in emotional states modulates memory storage. The glucocorticoid receptor in the hippocampus may be a target of glucocorticoids in the modulation of memory processing. The aim of this study is to examine the role of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) glucocorticoid receptors on spatial memory in Morris Water Maze task. Material and Methods: Male Long-Evans strain rats, weighing between 280 - 320 grams were surgically implanted bilaterally with cannulae aimed at the DH and were a week later trained in the Morris Water Maze task. The latency time to the fine plexiglass platform and the length of distances were used to measure spatial memory. Dexamethasone (0.1μg/0.6μL per side) as a glucocorticoid agonist and RU38486 (3 ng/0.6μL per side) as a glucocorticoid antagonist were injected bilaterally into DH immediately, and 60 and 120 min after training. Results: Results indicated that infusion of the glucocorticoid agonist and antagonist immediately and 60 min, but not 120 min after training, into the DH significantly enhanced and impaired retention performance, respectively. Conclusion: The above results show that glucocorticoid receptor plays an important role in consolidation of spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze task for at least 60 min after training. |
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| Keywords: Dorsal hippocampus, Glucocorticoid receptor, Spatial memory, Rat, Dexamethasone, RU38486 |
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Full-Text [PDF 286 kb]
(3710 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Subject:
Endocrinology
Received: 2006/11/23 | Published: 2003/03/15
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