Azam Moshfegh
Ahmad Reza Yarabi
Akram Tehranifard
Katayoun Dastan

Introduction: There are many similarities between memory impairment in patients suffering from Alzheimer and animals treated by Cannabinoids. The agonists of Cannabinoid receptors affect on a variety of memories and leanings. The present study aims to investigate the role of α-۱-adrenergic receptors in central region of amygdala in state-dependent learning induced by WIN۵۵,۲۱۲-۲ (cannabinoid agonist) in rats. Methods: Cannulae placement was performed bilaterally in the central amygdala region of male rats. The rats were trained in the avoidance learning apparatus (step-down model). ۲۴ hours after training, the memory was tested by measuring the lag time for stepping down the platform. Results: Injection of WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲ intra central amygdala (dose-dependent, ۰.۲۵, ۰.۵ μg/rat) post-training reduced lag time/latency for stepping down. Injection induced amnesia was reversed by pre-test administration of the same dose of WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲. It is called state-dependent learning. Pre-test intra-central injection of α-۱-adrenoceptor agonist, Phenylephrine (۰.۵, ۰.۲۵ μg/rat) improved post-training WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲ (۰.۵ μg/rat) intra central injection induced retrieval impairment. But intra injection of Prazosin (۰.۵ μg/rat) ۲ minutes before injection of WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲ (۰.۵ μg/rat) on the testing day inhibited WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲ state-dependent learning. Conclusion: The results suggest that α-۱-adrenergic receptors in central region of amygdala are involved in learning which dependent on the state induced by WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲.

Cannabinoids, α۱ -, Adrenergic, Learning, Cannabinoids, α۱ -, Adrenergic, Learning