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The Effects of MK-801, an NMDA Receptor Antagonist, on Behavioural Performance and Learning and Memory of Zebrafish, Danio rerio

Learning and memory are complex phenomena; numerous biochemical and neurobiological mechanisms subserving these functions have been identified. A key molecular component involved in learning and memory, the NMDA-R (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor) is impaired by MK-801(dizocilpine), an antagonist compound. Here I analyze the effects of MK-801 on the performance characteristics of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as these in turn can significantly influence the outcome of learning tasks. Subsequently, I study the effects of MK-801 on the acquisition, consolidation, and recall of memory in a plus maze, a new task I adapted from zebrafish literature. Although MK-801 seemed to have no effect on acquisition of memory in zebrafish, it disrupted their ability to consolidate and recall in the plus maze, echoing results found in rodent literature. Combined, these results suggest that zebrafish can be used as a tool to further advance the discovery of learning and memory.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OTU.1807/18856
Date15 February 2010
CreatorsSison, Margarette
ContributorsGerlai, Robert
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Languageen_ca
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

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