Learning/memory processes under stress conditions

Behav Brain Res. 1997 Feb;83(1-2):71-4. doi: 10.1016/s0166-4328(97)86048-2.

Abstract

Using mice, changes in the learning/memory processes under various stress conditions were investigated in one-trial step-through type passive avoidance learning task. Pre-, post-training and pre-test foot shock (FS)-stress induced long-lasting, at least 96 h, facilitation of test trial latencies. Pre-training psychological (PSY)-stress induces facilitation and pre-test swimming (SW)-stress provokes impairment of test trial latencies. These effects of FS-, PSY- and SW-stress are all dependent on the timing of their exposure and due to their acute effect. Intraperitoneal administration of 1 mg/kg scopolamine 30 min pre-training caused impairment of test latencies in naive and pre-test FS-stressed animals but failed to affect both pre- and post-training FS-induced enhancement. Taken all these data together, it seems that cholinergic mechanism is partly involved in the FS-stress induced facilitation of test latencies, though the research on the changes in ACh levels at the action site in brain after FS-stress exposure is necessary for a definite conclusion.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Electroshock
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Scopolamine / pharmacology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Scopolamine