Protective effect of the α 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, dexefaroxan, against spatial memory deficit induced by cortical devascularization in the adult rat

• Published in: Experimental neurology Vol. 185; no. 1; pp. 198 - 200
• Main Authors: Chopin, P., Debeir, T., Raisman-Vozari, R., Colpaert, F.C., Marien, M.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 2004
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease; Cortical devascularization; Dexefaroxan; Memory; Morris water maze; Neuroprotection; Noradrenaline; Nucleus basalis magnocellularis; α 2-Adrenoceptor antagonist; Neuroprotection; Cortical devascularization; Morris water maze; α 2-Adrenoceptor antagonist; Memory; Alzheimer's disease; Noradrenaline; Nucleus basalis magnocellularis; Dexefaroxan
• ISSN: 0014-4886; 1090-2430
• DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2003.09.010

The α 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, dexefaroxan, has been shown in the rat to have neuroprotective and plastic effects against degenerative structural changes in elements of the basalocortical cholinergic system that result from cortical devascularization [Neuroscience 115 (2002) 41]. The present study, using the same experimental protocol, examined the functional consequences of cortical devascularization and dexefaroxan treatment in the Morris water maze memory test. Rats were first trained to find the hidden platform in the test, and then subjected to the devascularization procedure. Thirty-one days later, lesioned rats exhibited a significant deficit in recalling the platform location, compared with sham control animals. A 28-day subcutaneous infusion with dexefaroxan (0.63, 2.5, and 10 mg rat −1 day −1), starting from the moment of the devascularization, protected against this spatial memory deficit.