Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Earles, Julie L.

Abstract

The neural networks that underlie memory and learning are some of the most complex systems that scientists seek to describe. Recent research has demonstrated that drugs which increase synaptic plasticity possess the capacity to enhance memory. The question that the present study sought to address was whether it is possible that cognition-enhancing drugs might enhance some memories to the detriment of others. Mice of the C57BL/6J inbred strain were trained on the Morris water maze task. They were then transferred over to a second, similar, water maze and trained using either the cognition-enhancing drug apamin or saline injected intraperitoneally. A strong correlation was observed in the apamin mice. The better they learned the second water maze task, the poorer they recalled the solution to the initial water maze. Our findings support the concept that performance-enhancing drugs are a facilitative factor in the memory phenomenon of proactive interference.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

39 p.

Identifier

FA00003600

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