Infusion of methylphenidate into the basolateral nucleus of amygdala or anterior cingulate cortex enhances fear memory consolidation in rats

Science in China. Series C, Life Sciences
XinLing ZhengBaoMing Li

Abstract

The psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPD; also called Ritalin) is a blocker of dopamine and norepinephrine transporter. It has been clinically used for treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There have been inconsistent reports regarding the effects of systemically administered MPD on learning and memory, either in animals or humans. In the present study, we investigated the effect of direct infusion of MPD into the basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA) or the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) on conditioned fear memory. Rats were trained on a one-trial step-through inhibitory avoidance task. MPD was infused bilaterally into the BLA or the ACC, either at '0' or 6 h post-training. Saline was administered as control. Memory retention was tested 48 h post-training. Intra-BLA or intra-ACC infusion of MPD '0' h but not 6 h post-training significantly improved 48-h memory retention: the MPD-treated rats had significant longer step-through latency than controls. The present results indicate that action of MPD in the BLA or the ACC produces a beneficial effect on the consolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory.

References

May 30, 1998·Cerebral Cortex·M A PrendergastJ J Buccafusco
Jul 31, 1998·Trends in Neurosciences·L Cahill, J L McGaugh
Oct 17, 1998·Molecular Psychiatry·P Seeman, B K Madras
May 13, 1999·Brain Research·F A GuarraciB S Kapp
Jan 15, 2000·Science·J L McGaugh
Jul 15, 2004·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·Charles J HeyserJennifer S Ferris
Sep 1, 2004·Psychopharmacology·Danielle C TurnerBarbara J Sahakian
Dec 8, 2004·Progress in Neurobiology·Marie A Pezze, Joram Feldon

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Mar 9, 2010·Nature Neuroscience·Kay M TyeAntonello Bonci
Jan 19, 2012·Learning & Memory·Antony D AbrahamK Matthew Lattal
Feb 8, 2016·Journal of Neural Transmission·Annette ConzelmannPaul Pauli
Mar 16, 2021·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Evelyn M Guilherme, Anna Carolyna L Gianlorenço

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.

Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine

The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.

Attention Disorders

Attention is involved in all cognitive activities, and attention disorders are reported in patients with various neurological diseases. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to attention disorders.