Facilitatory effect of AM281 on recognition memory in rats

BackgroundOur approach was to determine the influence of a single systemic administration of AM281, synthetic cannabinoid structurally similar to SR141716A, on recognition memory in rats.MethodsTo assess the influence of AM281 on acquisition of information the compound was given intraperitoneally once, at the doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg, 15 min before learning trial (T1) and in order to evaluate its influence on consolidation process AM281 was given at indicated doses, immediately after T1 trial in an object recognition test. Since cannabinoids may alter motor function and affect anxiety, the influence of AM281 on psychomotor activity and anxiety was evaluated in an open-field and elevated plus maze test, respectively.ResultsAdministration of AM281 at the doses: 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg significantly improved acquisition of information, while 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg of AM281 significantly facilitated consolidation process. Not only did AM281 not affect locomotor and exploratory activity, but also anxiety.ConclusionThis is the first evidence that AM281 exerts facilitatory effect on recognition memory in rats. This effect seems to be memory specific because no alterations in animals’ psychomotor activity and anxiety were observed.