Brivaracetam does not alter spatial learning and memory in both normal and amygdala-kindled rats.
Summary of "Brivaracetam does not alter spatial learning and memory in both normal and amygdala-kindled rats."
Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may induce memory deficits when tested in preclinical models at doses that exert significant protection against seizures. Brivaracetam (BRV) is a novel high-affinity SV2A ligand also displaying inhibitory activity at neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels. In the present study we have investigated the effects of BRV, at doses that exerted marked anticonvulsant effects in kindled rats, upon cognitive functioning and memory in both normal and amygdala-kindled rats using place learning version of Morris water maze. In addition the effect of BRV on long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampal slices has been investigated. BRV (2.1, 6.8 or 21.0mg/kg i.p.) was injected daily, 60min before each session. Results indicated that in both normal and amygdala-kindled rats BRV did not alter the latency to find the hidden platform or swimming speed during the four consecutive days of learning. Similarly, the time spent in the target quadrant, used as a further independent index of spatial memory, was not modified by BRV treatment. Likewise, BRV did not affect the LTP induction in CA1 hippocampal region when tested at 3-30muM concentration range, which had been demonstrated to significantly reduce epileptiform activity in slice models. Based on the results of the present study it can be expected that BRV will not have detrimental effects on hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions in patients with epilepsy.
Affiliation
UCB Pharma S.A., CNS Research, Chemin du Foriest, B-1420 Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Epilepsy research
ISSN: 1872-6844
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20678901
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.06.014
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Memory
Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory.
Mushroom Bodies
Prominent lobed neuropils found in ANNELIDA and all ARTHROPODS except crustaceans. They are thought to be involved in olfactory learning and memory.
Dementia
An acquired organic mental disorder with loss of intellectual abilities of sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. The dysfunction is multifaceted and involves memory, behavior, personality, judgment, attention, spatial relations, language, abstract thought, and other executive functions. The intellectual decline is usually progressive, and initially spares the level of consciousness.
Transfer (psychology)
Change in learning in one situation due to prior learning in another situation. The transfer can be positive (with second learning improved by first) or negative (where the reverse holds).
Nootropic Agents
Drugs used to specifically facilitate learning or memory, particularly to prevent the cognitive deficits associated with dementias. These drugs act by a variety of mechanisms. While no potent nootropic drugs have yet been accepted for general use, several are being actively investigated.
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