[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

290. Animal Cognition and Behavior: Learning and Memory: Pharmacology I
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 290.6/RR57
Topic: F.02.j. Learning and memory: Pharmacology
Support: Connecticut College Psychology Department
Title: Just say "nootropic": the effects of nicotine on memory and learning in adolescent and
adult rats
Authors: *E. N. GOVEIA, R. E. GRAHN;
Psychology, Connecticut Col., New London, CT
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of nicotine on memory and learning in adolescent
and adult male Fischer-344 rats. Rats were given 0.2 mg/kg/day of either nicotine or saline
chronically for 2 weeks and were tested in the Morris water maze as adolescents (Phase 1) and
then again 4 months later as adults (Phase 2). There were 4 main groups: nicotine/nicotine,
nicotine/saline, saline/nicotine, and saline/saline. In Phase 2 rats were tested for c-Fos and BrdU
expression in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Behavioral data indicated that as adults, rats
given nicotine were significantly improved at the water maze task compared to rats given saline.
Impairments of the S/N group suggest performance in the maze is state dependent upon the
nicotine. An increase in c-Fos expression was seen in the saline rats, and no BrdU expression
was seen in either group. The behavioral results imply that low doses of nicotine improve
learning and memory in adult rats. This provides support for studies investigating nicotine as a
therapeutic agent for diseases affecting cognition, such as Alzheimer‟s.
Disclosures: E.N. Goveia, None; R.E. Grahn, None.
Poster
290. Animal Cognition and Behavior: Learning and Memory: Pharmacology I
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 290.7/RR58
Topic: F.02.j. Learning and memory: Pharmacology
Support: 45943M