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T Maurice

Publications and source records attributed to T Maurice.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

SA4503, a novel cognitive enhancer with sigma1 receptor agonist properties, facilitates NMDA receptor-dependent learning in mice.

The selective sigma1 receptor agonist 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenyl propyl)piperazine dihydrochloride (SA4503) was reported to reverse the amnesia induced by the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine at sub-mg/kg doses. We examined its effect on the learning impairment induced in mice by the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine. Learning capacities were evaluated using spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze for spatial working memory, and step-down type passive avoidance. SA4503 (0.03-1 mg/kg s.c.) attenuated the dizocilpine (0.15 mg/kg i.p.)-induced memory deficits following a bell-shaped curve in both tests. These effects of SA4503 were blocked by haloperidol (0.05 mg/kg i.p.), implicating sigma1 receptors. SA4503 also reversed the alternation deficit induced by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 mg/kg i.p.) at the same dosage, indicating that it acted on working memory through the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated signalling pathway. Furthermore, progesterone (2 mg/kg s.c.) blocked the SA4503 effects in the dizocilpine- and L-NAME-amnesia models, in accordance with the purported neurosteroids/sigma1 receptors interaction. These results demonstrate a promising neurobehavioural profile of SA4503, a ligand equally efficient to reverse the deficit in the glutamatergic as well as in the cholinergic amnesia model. Pertinent informations on the potential mechanism of the anti-amnesic effects of sigma1 receptor ligands were also obtained.

Amnesia↗

In vitro aggregation facilities beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35)-induced amnesia in the rat.

The beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35) fragment, but not beta-amyloid peptide-(1-28), shares with beta-amyloid protein-(1-42) the ability to self-aggregate and to induce neurotoxicity in vitro. This study examined the induction of amnesia in rats given intracerebroventricularly soluble or aggregated beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35) (5-45 nmol), or beta-amyloid peptide-(1-28) (15 nmol). Memory deficit in the water-maze test, examined 14 days after aggregated beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35) injection, was more pronounced than with soluble beta-amyloid peptide-(25-35). beta-Amyloid peptide-(1-28) only affected retention. These results confirm the direct amnesic properties of beta-amyloid peptides in the rat brain and showed that prior peptide aggregation markedly facilitates the appearance of amnesia.

Amnesia↗

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate attenuates dizocilpine-induced learning impairment in mice via sigma 1-receptors.

We previously reported that high-affinity sigma type 1 (sigma 1) ligands attenuate the learning impairment induced in mice by dizocilpine, a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist. Neurosteroids, such as pregnenolone sulfate, progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), modulate NMDA-evoked responses in the central nervous system. Furthermore, some of them were reported to interact with sigma-receptors. This study was carried out to investigate whether DHEAS, a neurosteroid with memory-enhancing effects, attenuates the dizocilpine-induced learning impairment in mice, and, if so, by a mechanism involving sigma 1-receptors. Learning was evaluated using spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze for spatial working memory and step-down type of passive avoidance for long-term memory. At doses about 10-20 mg/kg s.c., DHEAS significantly attenuated dizocilpine (0.15 mg/kg i.p.)-induced impairment of learning on both tests. The enhancing effect of DHEAS (20 mg/kg s.c.) was antagonized by co-administration of the sigma-antagonist BMY-14802 (5 mg/kg i.p.) and suppressed by a subchronic treatment with haloperidol (4 mg/kg/day s.c. for 7 days). These results indicate that DHEAS attenuates dizocilpine-induced learning impairment via an interaction with sigma 1-receptors.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective and anti-amnesic potentials of sigma (sigma) receptor ligands.

1. Although the physical nature of sigma (sigma) receptors have not yet been fully defined, several classes of selective ligands have been characterised, demonstrating a plethora of physiological actions. In the present review, the authors have set out to highlight two important aspects of the biological activities of sigma ligands, their neuroprotective and anti-amnesic effects. 2. The sigma ligands present a therapeutic potential as neuroprotective agents in brain ischemia. The neuroprotective activity of many non-selective sigma ligands is primarily a result of their affinity for the NMDA receptor complex. However, selective sigma ligands are also neuroprotective, possibly by inhibition of the ischemic-induced presynaptic release of excitotoxic amino acids. 3. The sigma 1 ligands prevent the experimental amnesia induced by muscarinic cholinergic antagonists at either the learning, consolidation or retention phase of the mnesic process. This effect involves a potentation of acetylcholine release induced by sigma 1 ligands selectively in the hippocampal formation and cortex. 4. The sigma 1 receptor ligands also attenuate the learning impairment induced by dizocilpine, a non-competitive antagonist of the NMDA receptor, and may relate to the potentiating effect of sigma 1 ligands on several NMDA receptor-mediated responses previously described in vitro and in vivo in the hippocampus. This effect is shared by NPY- and CGRP-related peptides and by neuroactive steroids, confirming the in vitro evidences of functional interactions between the sigma 1 receptors and these different systems. 5. Additional amnesia models also seem to be alleviated by sigma 1 ligands, such as phencyclidine-induced cognitive dysfunctions, and amnesia induced by the calcium channel blocker nimodipine, or by exposure to carbon monoxide. Furthermore, a preliminary study in an animal model of age-related memory deficits, the senescence-accelerated mouse, strengthened the therapeutic potentials of selective sigma 1 receptor ligands in aging-related pathologies.

Amnesia↗

Neuropeptide Y and the calcitonin gene-related peptide attenuate learning impairments induced by MK-801 via a sigma receptor-related mechanism.

It has been shown recently that low doses of sigma (sigma) receptor ligands like 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), (+)N-allylnormetazocine [(+)SKF 10,047] and (+)pentazocine can antagonize learning impairments induced by dizocilpine (MK-801), a non-competitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor channel. This antagonism has been proposed to involve sigma receptor sites since it is blocked by the administration of purported sigma antagonists such as NE-100 and BMY-14802. It has also been demonstrated that peptides of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) families modulate, in vivo, sigma labelling and electrophysiological effects in the hippocampal formation. Accordingly, we investigated if NPY- and CGRP-related peptides modulate cognitive processes by interacting with sigma sites in mice. In order to test this hypothesis, a step-down passive avoidance task was used. Interestingly, similarly to various sigma agonists, NPY, peptide YY (PYY) and the Y1 agonist [Leu31Pro34]NPY (but not NPY[13-36], a purported Y2 agonist), as well as hCGRPalpha and the purported CGRP2 agonist [Cys(ACM)2-7]hCGRPalpha (but not CGRP[8-37], a CGRP1 receptor antagonist), significantly attenuated learning impairments induced by MK-801. Furthermore, the effects of NPY, [Leu31Pro34]NPY, hCGRPalpha and [Cys(ACM)2-7]hCGRPalpha were blocked by the administration of the sigma antagonist, BMY-14802. The present data suggest that NPY- and CGRP-related peptides can indirectly interact in vivo with sigma receptors to modulate cognitive processes associated with NMDA receptor function.

Animals↗

Modulation by neurosteroids of the in vivo (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047 binding to sigma 1 receptors in the mouse forebrain.

Recent reports suggest an interaction between neuro-(active)steroids and sigma1 (sigma 1) receptors, affecting biochemical parameters as well as physiological responses mediated by sigma 1 ligands in the rodent brain. In this study, we examined the modulation by neurosteroids of the haloperidol-sensitive in vivo (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047 binding to sigma 1 sites in the mouse hippocampus and cortex. Progesterone (PROG; 2-40 mg/kg), pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS; 10-40 mg/kg), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS; 10-40 mg/kg) were administered systemically 10 min before the radioactive tracer. The total amount of (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047 bound in each structure was significantly affected by PROG and PREGS only at the highest dose tested and was unaffected by DHEAS. However, bound to free (B/F) radioactivity ratios were highly significantly decreased by 30-40% in each structure by PROG and PREGS. DHEAS, at 40 mg/kg, induced a significant 20% decrease in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the in vivo (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047 binding parameters were diminished in pregnant female mice compared to non-pregnant or male mice. These results confirm the in vitro binding results, bring a direct in vivo demonstration of the interaction between neurosteroids and sigma 1 receptors, and show that physiologic modulations of the steroidal concentrations affect the sigma 1 systems.

Animals↗

The Exocyst is a multiprotein complex required for exocytosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the products of at least 15 genes are involved specifically in vesicular transport from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane. Previously, we have shown that three of these genes, SEC6, SEC8 and SEC15, encode components of a multisubunit complex which localizes to the tip of the bud, the predominant site of exocytosis in S. cerevisiae. Mutations in three more of these genes, SEC3, SEC5 and SEC10, were found to disrupt the subunit integrity of the Sec6-Sec8-Sec15 complex, indicating that these genes may encode some of the remaining components of this complex. To examine this possibility, we cloned and sequenced the SEC5 and SEC10 genes, disrupted them, and either epitope tagged them (Sec5p) or prepared polyclonal antisera (Sec10p) to them for co-immunoprecipitation studies. Concurrently, we biochemically purified the remaining unidentified polypeptides of the Sec6-Sec8-Sec15 complex for peptide microsequencing. The genes encoding these components were identified by comparison of predicted amino acid sequences with those obtained from peptide microsequencing of the purified complex components. In addition to Sec6p, Sec8p and Sec15p, the complex contains the proteins encoded by SEC3, SEC5, SEC10 and a novel gene, EXO70. Since these seven proteins function together in a complex required for exocytosis, and not other intracellular trafficking steps, we have named it the Exocyst.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Beneficial effects of sigma agonists on the age-related learning impairment in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM).

A beneficial effect of sigma (sigma) agonists was previously described on several pharmacological models of learning impairments. We examined this effect in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), which has been developed as a murine model of aging and cognitive dysfunction. SAMP8/Ta (P8, senescence-prone substrain), 10-12 months of age, showed significant impairments in mnemonic capacities, as compared to age-matched SAMR1/Ta controls (R1, senescence-resistant substrain). Tests included open-field behavior, spontaneous alternation performances in the Y-maze, step-down passive avoidance and place learning after repetitive training in a water-maze. Pretreatment with the sigma agonists JO-1784 (igmesine) or PRE-084, at 0.1-3 mg/kg, s.c., significantly improved spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance performances in P8. JO-1784 or PRE-084, at 1 mg/kg, also improved place learning in the water-maze, and retention, in term of escape latency. The implication of sigma sites was indicated by the lack of significant effect of JO-1783, the inactive enantiomer of JO-1784, and by the ability of BMY-14802 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to antagonize the effects on passive avoidance of JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg). Subchronic treatments with JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg/day) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg/day) during 10 days, allowed a significant improvement of learning during training in the water-maze, but retention was not significantly ameliorated. These results confirmed the interest of the SAM substrains as an experimental model for senile memory impairment and showed that sigma agonists could improve the quality of learning, although they seem less effective on long-term memory retrieval upon chronic administration.

Aging↗

Reversion of beta 25-35-amyloid peptide-induced amnesia by NMDA receptor-associated glycine site agonists.

The effects of D-cycloserine (DCS), a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-associated glycine site agonist, and milacemide (MIL), a glycine prodrug, were examined on learning impairments induced by administration of beta 25-35-amyloid peptide (3 nmol i.c.v.). Mice were examined for spontaneous alternation and step-down passive avoidance, 7 and 14 days after beta 25-35, respectively. The beta 25-35-induced deficits were reversed by DCS, 1-30 mg/kg i.p., or MIL, 3-100 mg/kg i.p., each drug being ineffective on control mice behaviours. These observations strengthen the therapeutic potential of glycine site agonists against the memory impairments induced by beta-amyloid peptides.

Acetamides↗

Amnesia induced in mice by centrally administered beta-amyloid peptides involves cholinergic dysfunction.

Substantial evidences suggest that the increased cerebral deposition, and neurotoxic action of the beta-amyloid peptide, the major constituent of senile plaques, may represent the underlying cause of the cognitive deficits observed in Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we attempted to verify this hypothesis by inducing a potential Alzheimer's-type amnesia after direct intracerebroventricular administration of aggregated beta 25-35-amyloid peptide in mice. In this aim, mnesic capacities were evaluated after 6-13 days, using spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze, step-down type passive avoidance and place learning in a water-maze. Pretraining administration of aggregated beta 25-35 peptide induced dose-dependent decreases in both alternation behaviour and passive avoidance, at doses of 3 and 9 nmol/mouse. A reduced but still significant impairment was observed when the peptide was not aggregated, or 'aged', by preincubation for 4 days at 37 degrees C. The beta 1-28 peptide, at 3 nmol/mouse, also induced a marked decrease in step-down latency. Posttraining, but not preretention, administration of beta 25-35 peptide also significantly impaired learning. The beneficial effects of cholinergic agents on beta 25-35-induced amnesia was examined using the cholinesterase inhibitor tacrine (THA, 1.3 and 4.3 mumol/kg i.p.) and the nicotinic receptor agonist (-)-nicotine (NIC, 0.06 and 0.2 mumol/kg i.p.). Both drugs induced a dose-dependent abrogation of the beta 25-35-induced decreases in alternation behaviour and passive avoidance. Furthermore, THA, at 1.3 mumol/kg, and NIC, at 0.2 mumol/kg, also reversed the beta 25-35-induced impairment of place learning and retention in the water-maze. Histological examination of Cresyl violet-stained brain sections indicated a moderate but significant cell loss within the frontoparietal cortex and the hippocampal formation of mice treated with aged beta 25-35 peptide (9 nmol). Examination of Congo red-stained sections in the same animals demonstrated the presence of numerous amyloid deposits throughout these brain areas. These results confirm that the deposition of beta-amyloid peptide in the brain is in some way related to impairment of learning and cholinergic degeneration and suggest that the [25-35] fragment of the beta-amyloid protein, sufficient to induce neuronal death in cultures, also induces an Alzheimer's-type amnesia in mice.

Acetylcholine↗

Corrigendum to 'the pentadecapeptide [Ser1]histogranin impairs passive avoidance learning in mice' [Eur. J. Pharmacol. 283 (1995) 251-254].

The peptides, histogranin and [Ser1]histogranin, were recently shown to modulate NMDA receptor function. In the present study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of [Ser1]histogranin and of the histogranin receptor antagonist, histogranin-(1-10), were examined on step-down type passive avoidance learning in mice. [Ser1]Histogranin (30-60 nmol) impaired retention, after post-training administration, but not when it was administered just prior to the retention assay. Histogranin-(1-10) (60 nmol) facilitated learning during training, without affecting retention. Co-administration of histogranin-(1-10) with [Ser1]histogranin (60 nmol each) led to a significant prevention of [Ser1]histogranin-induced learning impairment. These results indicate that [Ser1]histogranin impairs passive avoidance learning according to the pattern of NMDA receptor antagonists and involving specific histogranin sites.

Animals↗

The pentadecapeptide [Ser1]histogranin impairs passive avoidance learning in mice.

The peptides, histogranin and [Ser1]histogranin, were recently shown to modulate NMDA receptor function. In the present study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of [Ser1]histogranin and of the histogranin receptor antagonist, histogranin-(1-10), were examined on step-down type passive avoidance learning in mice. [Ser1]Histogranin (30-60 nmol) impaired retention, after post-training administration, but not when it was administered just prior to the retention assay. Histogranin-(1-10) (60 nmol) facilitated learning during training, without affecting retention. Co-administration of histogranin-(1-10) with [Ser1]histogranin (60 nmol each) led to a significant prevention of [Ser1]histogranin-induced learning impairment. These results indicate that [Ser1]histogranin impairs passive avoidance learning according to the pattern of NMDA receptor antagonists and involving specific histogranin sites.

Animals↗

Prevention of nimodipine-induced impairment of learning by the selective sigma ligand PRE-084.

The high selectivity of the phencyclidine derivative PRE-084 for sigma (sigma) sites is demonstrated. We previously reported that this compound is able to markedly attenuate the impairment of learning induced in mice by the non-competitive NMDA antagonist MK-801, and the cholinergic nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. In this study, we examined the effect of PRE-084 on the impairment of learning induced by acute administration of the calcium channel antagonist nimodipine. Nimodipine (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) impaired the spontaneous alternation behaviour in a Y-maze, decreased the step-down latency (SDL) in a passive avoidance task, and altered place learning and retention in a water-maze paradigm, with no marked effect on the motility observed using an open-field test. Preadministration of PRE-084 resulted in an attenuation of the impairment of alternation, in the 0.3-1 mg/kg s.c. range, in a marked increase in SDL, at 1-3 mg/kg, and improved place learning and retention in the water-maze, at 1 mg/kg. The effects on alternation behaviour and passive avoidance were completely prevented by co-administration of the purported sigma antagonist BMY-14802 (10 mg/kg i.p.), implicating the sigma sites. These results confirm the beneficial effect of the sigma ligand PRE-084 on pharmacological models of learning impairments, and indicate that sigma sites may modulate Ca2+ fluxes through VDCC, which may in turn bear some as yet unknown relationship to the previously described interaction with neurotransmitter systems.

Animals↗

Behavioral evidence for a modulating role of sigma ligands in memory processes. I. Attenuation of dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced amnesia.

The potentiating effect of low doses of sigma ligands on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitation of pyramidal CA3 dorsal hippocampal neurons has recently been reported. In the present study, we investigated behavioral effects relevant to these findings in the experimental amnesia induced by the non-competitive NMDA antagonist, dizocilpine (MK-801), in mice. At doses below 1 mg/kg s.c., the sigma ligands, 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), (+)-SKF 10,047, and (+)-pentazocine, but not their (-)-isomers, significantly decreased MK-801 (100 microgram/kg s.c.)-induced impairment of spontaneous alternation performances in 8-min sessions of a Y-maze exploration, an index of spatial working memory, without affecting the concomitant hyperlocomotion. The effect of DTG (100 micrograms/kg s.c.) was completely antagonized by the simultaneous administration of BMY 14802 (10 mg/kg i.p.) and NE-100 (1 mg/kg i.p.), two putative sigma antagonists, which had no effect by themselves. In long-term memory tests (step-down and step-through types of passive avoidance, elevated plus-maze), DTG exhibited a significant attenuation of MK-801-induced amnesia, at doses of 10 and 100 micrograms/kg s.c. In all tests of short- and long-term memory, the effects exhibited by the sigma ligands tested had a bell-shaped curve; no effect was seen at 1 mg/kg. DTG did not affect the impairment of alternation induced by CPP (5 mg/kg i.p.): the modulation may selectively target the blockade of NMDA receptor-associated ion channels. Moreover, DTG (1-1000 micrograms/kg) did not affect the impairment induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg i.p.) or diazepam (4 mg/kg i.p.), but significantly prevented the impairment induced by mecamylamine (10 mg/kg i.p.). These results suggest that the potentiating effect of sigma ligands on NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission, already demonstrated electrophysiologically, may have some relevance to learning and memory processes in the hippocampus. A similar modulation may also affect cholinergic nicotinic systems.

Amnesia↗

Behavioral evidence for a modulating role of sigma ligands in memory processes. II. Reversion of carbon monoxide-induced amnesia.

This study examined the effect of low doses of sigma ligands on amnesia induced in mice by successive carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Mice were exposed three consecutive times to CO (10 ml/min, 30-50 s) at 38 degrees C. Spatial working memory impairment was investigated 5 days later by monitoring spontaneous alternation behavior in a Y-maze. Delayed amnesia was examined 7 days after CO exposure by using a step-down passive avoidance test. The preadministration of the sigma ligand 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), at doses of 1 to 1000 microgram/kg, s.c., 30 min before CO exposure did not affect the resulting amnesia in either test. However, when administered 30 min before the test, i.e., 5 or 7 days after CO exposure, this agent completely reversed the CO-induced decrease in alternation performance, at doses of 10 to 100 micrograms/kg. The same effect was observed with (+)-N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF 10,047), at doses of 100 to 300 micrograms/kg, but not with (-)-SKF 10,047. DTG, at the same dose range that reversed the decrease in alternation, also totally reversed the CO-induced decrease in step-down latency in the passive avoidance test. The curve for these effects was bell-shaped; the effects were not observed at the dose of 1 mg/kg. Moreover, alpha-(4-fluorophenyl-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine butanol (BMY 14802), a putative sigma antagonist (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), did not affect CO-induced amnesia, but when simultaneously administered with DTG, it completely prevented its effect in both tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amnesia↗

Low dose of 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG) attenuates MK-801-induced spatial working memory impairment in mice.

MK-801 (30-100 micrograms/kg, SC) impaired spontaneous alternation behavior of mice, a behavior related to the spatial working memory. 1,3-Di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), (+)-pentazocine and (+)-SKF 10,047 (100 micrograms/kg, SC), putative sigma agonists, administered 10 min before MK-801, partially but significantly reversed the impairment, without affecting the concomitant hyperlocomotion. The antagonizing effects by DTG were prevented by BMY-14802 (5 mg/kg, IP), a purported sigma antagonist. These findings suggest that, at low doses, sigma ligands may modulate the N-methyl-D-aspartate dependent memory processes.

Animals↗

PRE-084, a sigma selective PCP derivative, attenuates MK-801-induced impairment of learning in mice.

We investigated the effect of the sigma selective PCP derivative PRE-084 on the impairment of learning induced in mice by the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist MK-801. Learning capacities were evaluated using the spontaneous alternation in a Y-maze test for spatial working memory, the step-down passive avoidance and the elevated plus-maze test for long-term memory. At doses about 1 mg/kg IP, PRE-084 significantly attenuated MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg IP) induced impairment of learning. The dose-response curve was bell-shaped which is typical for cognition enhancers. The effect of PRE-084 was antagonized by BMY-14802 (10 mg/kg IP) and suppressed by a chronic treatment with haloperidol (4 mg/kg/day SC for 7 days). Furthermore, PRE-084 did not affect scopolamine (1 mg/kg SC) induced amnesia but significantly attenuated mecamylamine (10 mg/kg IP) induced amnesia. These results show that sigma sites mediate a modulation of the NMDA receptor complex-dependent learning processes and may similarly affect the cholinergic nicotinic memory processes. Moreover, the PCP derivative PRE-084, acting selectively at sigma sites, reverses the amnesia induced by a drug acting at the PCP site.

Amnesia↗

Cholecystokinin-related peptides, after systemic or central administration, prevent carbon monoxide-induced amnesia in mice.

The neuroprotective actions of cholecystokinin (CCK) peptides were investigated in a mouse hypoxia model, in which the animals were successively exposed to CO gas. Working memory impairment 5 days after CO exposure was examined by using a Y-maze test; delayed amnesia was examined 7 days after CO exposure, by using a step-down type passive avoidance test. Ceruletide (1-100 micrograms/kg, given s.c. 30 min before CO exposure) significantly prevented the CO-induced impairment of performance in both tests, the improvement being correlated with the severity of hypoxia. This severity was increased by maintaining the body temperature at 38 degrees C. Ceruletide was less effective when injected immediately after a single CO exposure. The order of potency of the CCK-peptides administered systemically was: ceruletide > CCK-8S > CCK-8NS >> CCK-4. Ceruletide (0.03-0.3 micrograms/mouse) and CCK-8S (0.03-1 microgram/mouse) prevented CO-induced amnesia after i.c.v. administration. Under all experimental conditions, dizocilpine [MK-801, (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate, 500 micrograms/kg s.c. or 10 micrograms/mouse i.c.v.] prevented completely the CO-induced amnesia. The protective effects of systemic ceruletide were blocked, partially but significantly, by the preadministration of L-364,718 (3S-(-)-N-[2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-S-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepine-3-yl]-1H-indole-2-carboxamide, 1-10 mg/kg i.p.), a selective CCK-A receptor antagonist. L-365,260 ([3R-(+)-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepine-3-yl] -N' - [3-methyl-phenyl]urea), a CCK-B antagonist, also decreased ceruletide-induced protection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amnesia↗