M R Zarrindast

Islamic Azad University, Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran

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Publications (151)257.78 Total impact

  • Article: Functional correlation between GABAergic and dopaminergic systems of dorsal hippocampus and ventral tegmental area in passive avoidance learning in rats.
    F Nazari-Serenjeh, A Rezayof, M-R Zarrindast
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to investigate the existence of possible functional correlation between GABA-A and dopamine (DA) receptors of the dorsal hippocampus and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in passive avoidance learning. Two guide cannulas were stereotaxically implanted in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus and the VTA of male Wistar rats. In order to measure memory retrieval, the animals were trained in a step-through type passive avoidance task and tested 24 h after training. Post-training intra-CA1 administration of a GABA-A receptor agonist, muscimol (0.01-0.02 μg/rat) dose-dependently impaired memory retrieval. Post-training intra-VTA administration of SCH23390 (a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist; 0.1-0.8 μg/rat) or sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist; 0.5-1.5 μg/rat) decreased the inhibitory effect of muscimol (0.02 μg/rat, intra-CA1) on memory retrieval. Intra-VTA administration of the same doses of SCH23390, but not sulpiride, decreased the step-through latencies. On the other hand, post-training administration of muscimol (0.02 μg/rat) into the VTA inhibited memory retrieval. The administration of SCH23390 (0.01-0.2 μg/rat) or sulpiride (0.1-1 μg/rat) into the CA1 region, immediately after training, had no effect on memory retrieval. Furthermore, the amnesic effect of intra-VTA administration of muscimol was significantly decreased by intra-CA1 administration of sulpiride (0.5 and 1 μg/rat, intra-CA1), but not SCH23390. The practical conclusion is that the relationship between the hippocampus and the VTA may regulate memory formation in passive avoidance learning. Also, the correlation between the hippocampus and VTA by a dopaminergic system may be involved in mediating muscimol-induced amnesia.
    Neuroscience 09/2011; 196:104-14. · 3.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Protective effects of a magnesium magnetic isotope (Mg(25) )-exchanging nanoparticle ((25) MgPMC(16) ) on mitochondrial functional disorders in esmolol-induced cardiac arrest in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: In cardiac surgery, agents are needed to produce temporary cardiac arrest (cardioplegia). One of these agents is esmolol (ESM) which is a short-acting selective beta-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist and its overdose causes diastolic ventricular arrest. The (25) MgPMC(16) (porphyrin adducts of cyclohexil fullerene-C60) is known as a nanoparticle which has a cardioprotective effect when the heart is subjected to stressful conditions. In this study, we aimed to confirm the deleterious effects of ESM overdose on cardiac mitochondria and identify any protective effects of (25) MgPMC(16) in male Wistar rats. Esmolol 100 mg kg(-1) (LD50 = 71 mg kg(-1) ) was injected intravenously (i.v.) into tail vein to induce cardiac arrest. This dose was obtained from an ESM dose-response curve which induces at least 80% arrest in rats. (25) MgPMC(16) at three different doses (45, 90 and 224 mg kg(-1) ) was injected i.v. as pretreatment, eight hours before ESM injection. (25) MgCl(2) or (24) MgPMC(16) were used as controls. Following cardiac arrest, the heart was removed and the mitochondria extracted. Mitochondrial viability and the adenosine 5'-diphosphate sodium salt hydrate/Adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt hydrate (ADP/ATP) ratio were measured as biomarkers of mitochondrial function. Results indicate that (25) MgPMC(16) caused a significant increase in mitochondrial viability and decrease in ADP/ATP ratio. No significant changes were seen with (24) MgPMC(16) or (25) MgCl(2) . It is concluded that cardiac arrest induced by ESM overdose leads to a significant decrease in mitochondrial viability and their ATP levels, whereas pretreatment by (25) MgPMC(16) can protect mitochondria by increasing ATP level through liberation of Mg into cells and the improvement of hypoxia.
    Autonomic &amp Autacoid Pharmacology 08/2011; 32(1 Pt 2):1-7.
  • Article: Nitric oxide in the ventral tegmental area is involved in retrieval of inhibitory avoidance memory by nicotine.
    M Piri, M R Zarrindast
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    ABSTRACT: In the present study, the possible involvement of nitric oxide systems in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in nicotine's effect on morphine-induced amnesia and morphine state-dependent memory in adult male Wistar rats was investigated. Step-through type inhibitory avoidance task was used to test memory retrieval. Post-training administration of morphine (5 and 7.5 mg/kg) induced amnesia. The response induced by post-training morphine was significantly reversed by pre-test administration of the drug. Pre-test injection of nicotine (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg s.c.) alone and nicotine (0.1, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg s.c.) plus an ineffective dose of morphine also significantly reversed the amnesia induced by morphine. Morphine amnesia was also prevented by pre-test administration of l-arginine (1 and 3 μg/rat, intra-VTA), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor. Interestingly, an ineffective dose of nicotine (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) in combination with low dose of l-arginine (0.3 μg/rat, intra-VTA) synergistically improved memory performance impaired by morphine given after training. In contrast, pre-test administration of NG nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (2 μg/rat, intra-VTA) prevented the nicotine reversal of morphine effect on memory. The results suggest a possible role for nitric oxide of ventral tegmental area in the improving effect of nicotine on the morphine-induced amnesia.
    Neuroscience 02/2011; 175:154-61. · 3.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Involvement of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems of the basolateral amygdala in amnesia induced by the stimulation of dorsal hippocampal cannabinoid receptors.
    A Rezayof, P Habibi, M-R Zarrindast
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    ABSTRACT: The present study intended to investigate the involvement of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems of the basolateral amygdala in amnesia induced by the stimulation of dorsal hippocampal cannabinoid receptors in male Wistar rats. The animals were stereotaxically implanted with guide cannulas in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus and basolateral amygdala (BLA), trained in a step-through type passive avoidance task, and tested 24 h after training to measure memory retrieval. Post-training intra-CA1 microinjection of the nonselective CB1/CB2 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) (0.1-0.5 μg/rat) dose-dependently induced amnesia. Post-training intra-BLA administration of the D1/D2 dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine (0.3 and 0.5 μg/rat) plus intra-CA1 administration of 0.1 μg/rat of WIN, which alone did not induce amnesia, inhibited memory formation. The inhibitory effect of 0.5 μg/rat of WIN (intra-CA1) on memory formation was significantly decreased by the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 (0.1-0.5 μg/rat, intra-BLA) or the D2 dopamine receptor antagonist sulpiride (0.02-0.5 μg/rat, intra-BLA) given 5 min before post-training intra-CA1 microinjection of WIN. It is important to note that single intra-BLA microinjection of the same doses of apomorphine, SCH23390 or sulpiride had no effect on memory retrieval in passive avoidance task. On the other hand, post-training co-administration of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 0.03 and 0.05 μg/rat, intra-BLA) plus an ineffective dose of WIN (0.1 μg/rat, intra-CA1) induced amnesia. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 0.5 μg/rat of intra-CA1 microinjection of WIN on memory formation was significantly decreased by pre-treatment with intra-BLA microinjection of the NMDA receptor antagonist d-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (d-AP5; 0.1 and 0.5 μg/rat, intra-BLA). Intra-BLA microinjection of the same doses of NMDA or d-AP5 by itself did not induce any response on memory retrieval. Taken together, these findings support the existence of a functional interaction between dorsal hippocampal and basolateral amygdaloid neural circuits during processing cannabinoid-induced amnesia.
    Neuroscience 02/2011; 175:118-26. · 3.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 inhibit reuptake of serotonin by rat hypothalamic synaptosomes.
    M R Zarrindast, Z Honardar, F Sanea, A A Owji
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    ABSTRACT: Both the dopamine receptor D(1) agonist SKF 38393 and the antagonist SCH 23390 are benzazepine derivatives that have been widely used as pharmacological tools and radioligands. Evidence suggests that behavioral effects of both compounds do not always correspond to their established receptor subtype selectivity. Here, we assessed the effects of SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 on the synaptosomal uptake of tritiated serotonin. Uptake experiments were performed by using [(3)H]serotonin and synaptosomal fractions prepared from the hypothalamus of rat brain. Both SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 inhibited synaptosomal uptake of [(3)H]serotonin, with IC(50) values of 910 ± 60 nmol/l and 1,400 ± 80 nmol/l, respectively. Clomipramine, a known inhibitor of serotonin uptake, and (+)-amphetamine, a weak inhibitor, had IC(50) values of 14 ± 1 nmol/l and more than 10,000 nmol/l, respectively, under the same experimental conditions. The IC(50) values for SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 fall within the broad range of corresponding values for antidepressants that have been shown to inhibit the uptake of serotonin. This finding indicates that SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 can enhance the activity of the serotonergic system in the brain, a mechanism that may be responsible for some of the effects of these drugs. SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 are useful tools to differentiate D(1) from D(2) receptors, but their indirect effects on serotonergic mechanisms have to be considered.
    Pharmacology 01/2011; 87(1-2):85-9. · 1.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Synthesis and Anti‐inflammatory Activity of Some 1‐Methyl‐5‐(4‐substituted benzoyl)imidazole‐2‐acetates
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    ABSTRACT: 1-Methyl-5-(4-X-benzoyl)imidazole-2-acetates were synthesized and tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Tolmetin and aspirin were used as reference drugs.The most active compound against carrageenan-induced oedema in rat hindpaw was a 4-chlorobenzoyl derivative, which was almost 1–5-times more active than the reference drug aspirin. In addition, it had half the activity of tolmetin.
    Pharmacy and Pharmacology Communications. 02/2010; 5(4):273 - 275.
  • Article: Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of 5‐Aryl‐l,3,4‐thiadiazole Derivatives
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    ABSTRACT: ABSTRACT5-Aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity using the pentylenetetrazole-induced lethal convulsion test. The results showed that 2-amino derivatives have anticon vulsant activity (LD50 > 500mg kg−1) and this effect was not mediated through benzodiazepine receptors. The fluoro electron-withdrawing substituent on the phenyl ring did not potentiate the activity of the compounds.
    Pharmacy and Pharmacology Communications. 02/2010; 6(1):31 - 33.
  • Article: The Effect of Dorsal Hippocampal α2-Adrenegic Receptors on WIN55,212-2 State-Dependent Memory of Passive Avoidance
    M. Piri, A. Moshfegh, Sh. Oryan, M.R. Zarrindast
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    ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: Cannabinoids are a class of psychoactive compounds that produce a wide array of effects in a large number of species. In the present study, the effects of bilateral intra-CA1 injections of an α2-adrenergic receptor agents, on WIN55,212-2 state-dependent learning were examined in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: The animals were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulae in the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus, trained in a step-down type inhibitory avoidance task, and tested 24h after training to measure step-down latency.Results: Post-training intra-CA1 injection of WIN55,212-2 (0.25 and 0.5µg/rat) induced impairment of memory retention. Amnesia produced by post-training WIN55,212-2 (0.5µg/rat) was reversed by pre-test administration of the same dose of WIN55,212-2 that is due to a state-dependent effect. Pre-test intra-CA1 injection of clonidine (0.5 and 0.75µg/rat, intra-CA1) improved post-training WIN55,212-2 (0.5µg/rat, intra-CA1)-induced retrieval impairment, while pre-test intra-CA1 injection of yohimbine (1µg/rat, intra-CA1) 2min before the administration of WIN55,212-2 (0.5µg/rat, intra-CA1) inhibited WIN55,212-2 state-dependent memory. Conclusion: These results suggest that α2-adrenergic receptors of the dorsal hippocampal CA1 regions may play an important role in Win55,212-2-induced amnesia and WIN55,212-2 state-dependent memory.
    Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal. 01/2010;
  • Article: ON THE MECHANISM OF CARBAMAZEPIN-INDUCED ANTINOCICEPTION IN THE FORMALIN TEST
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    ABSTRACT: In the present study, the effect of lidocaine (a sodium channel blocker) on carbamazepine-induced antinociception, in formalin test was investigated. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of different doses of carbamazepine (3.5, 7, 15, and 30 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent antinociception in mice, in the first and second phases of the test. Different doses of lidocaine as a sodium channel blocker (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) also induced antinociception in both phases of the formalin test. It is noted that lidocaine could potentiate the response of carbamazepine in the first, but not in the second, phase of the formalin test. Meanwhile i.p. administration of different doses of Prazosin, α1 adrenoceptor antagonist (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg), Yohimbine, α2 adrenoceptor antagonist (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg), Bicuculline, GABAA receptor antagonist (1.5 and 3 mg/kg), and CGP 35348, GABAB receptor antagonist (100 and 200 mg/kg) exert dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in both phases of the formalin test. It should be noted that bicuculline 0.75 mg/kg by itself increased pain score in the second phase of the formalin test, indicating that blockade of GABAA receptor subtype may induce chronic pain. None of the aforementioned drugs could alter the antinociceptive response of carbamazepine in the formalin test. It is concluded that sodium channel mechanisms may be involved partly in the antinociceptive induced by carbamazepine.
    07/2009; 116(9):1097-1113.
  • Article: The amygdala modulates morphine-induced state-dependent memory retrieval via muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
    A Rezayof, L Khajehpour, M R Zarrindast
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    ABSTRACT: The current study was conducted to examine the involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors of the amygdala in morphine-induced state-dependent memory retrieval. Male Wistar rats implanted bilaterally with cannulas in the amygdala were submitted to a step-through type passive avoidance task, and tested 24 h after training to measure step-through latency. Post-training s.c. administration of morphine at the doses of 5 and 7.5 mg/kg impaired the memory on the test day, which was restored when the same doses of morphine were used as a pre-test drug. This phenomenon is well known as morphine-induced state-dependent memory retrieval. Bilateral microinjection of the non-selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, pilocarpine (0.25 and 0.5 microg/side), into the amygdala with an ineffective dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) significantly improved the memory retrieval and mimicked the effects of pre-test administration of a higher dose of morphine. It should be noted that in the animals that received saline after training and tested following intra-amygdala administration of pilocarpine (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 microg/side) and those which received post-training morphine (7.5 mg/kg s.c.) and pre-test intra-amygdala microinjection of the same doses of pilocarpine, no significant change was observed in the step-through latencies. On the other hand, pre-test intra-amygdala microinjection of a selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist scopolamine (0.125 and 0.25 microg/side) inhibited morphine-induced state-dependent memory retrieval. In addition, no significant changes were seen in memory retrieval of the animals trained before saline treatment and tested following intra-amygdala microinjection of the same doses of scopolamine (0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25 microg/side). Bilateral microinjection of scopolamine into the amygdala reversed the pilocarpine-induced potentiation of the morphine response. In view of the known actions of the drugs used, the present data point to the involvement of amygdala muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in morphine-induced state-dependent memory retrieval.
    Neuroscience 04/2009; 160(2):255-63. · 3.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: On the mechanism of carbamazepine-induced antinociception in the formalin test.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: In the present study, the effect of lidocaine (a sodium channel blocker) on carbamazepine-induced antinociception, in formalin test was investigated. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of different doses of carbamazepine (3.5, 7, 15, and 30 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent antinociception in mice, in the first and second phases of the test. Different doses of lidocaine as a sodium channel blocker (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) also induced antinociception in both phases of the formalin test. It is noted that lidocaine could potentiate the response of carbamazepine in the first, but not in the second, phase of the formalin test. Meanwhile i.p. administration of different doses of Prazosin, alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg), Yohimbine, alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg), Bicuculline, GABAA receptor antagonist (1.5 and 3 mg/kg), and CGP 35348, GABAB receptor antagonist (100 and 200 mg/kg) exert dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in both phases of the formalin test. It should be noted that bicuculline 0.75 mg/kg by itself increased pain score in the second phase of the formalin test, indicating that blockade of GABAA receptor subtype may induce chronic pain. None of the aforementioned drugs could alter the antinociceptive response of carbamazepine in the formalin test. It is concluded that sodium channel mechanisms may be involved partly in the antinociceptive induced by carbamazepine.
    International Journal of Neuroscience 10/2006; 116(9):1097-113. · 0.97 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of GABA receptor agonists or antagonists on morphine-induced Straub tail in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: The effects of GABA receptor agents on Straub tail induced by morphine were investigated in mice. Subcutaneous injection of different doses of morphine (10-60 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent Straub tail in mice. Maximum response was obtained with 40 mg/kg of the drug, 30 min after the drug administration. The morphine response was decreased by subcutaneous injection of naloxone (0.5-2 mg/kg). Intraperitoneal administration of different doses of baclofen (2-8 mg/kg) reduced Straub tail induced by morphine (40 mg/kg). The response of baclofen was decreased by Intraperitoneal injection of CGP35348 (150 mg/kg). CGP35348 by itself did not elicit any response. Different Intraperitoneally doses of muscimol (1-4 mg/kg) bicuculline (1-3 mg/kg), or picrotoxin (1-3 mg/kg) also reduced morphine effect. The effect of muscimol was not altered by bicuculline pretreatment. It is concluded that both GABAA and GABAB receptor activation reduced Straub tail induced by morphine.
    International Journal of Neuroscience 09/2006; 116(8):963-73. · 0.97 Impact Factor
  • Article: Discrepancy between effects of milligram and nanogram doses of a COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on morphine state-dependent memory of passive avoidance in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: This experiment examined and compared the effects of pre-test administration of a selective COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib), at the doses in the range of mg/kg and ng/kg on morphine state-dependent learning in step-down passive avoidance task in mice. Pre-training administration of 5mg/kg of morphine-impaired memory retrieval tested 24h later, which was restored by pre-test administration of the same dose of the drug. Pre-test administration of celecoxib (12.5, 25 and 50mg/kg), alone or in combination with morphine (1mg/kg) prevents morphine-induced memory impairment. Ultra-low doses (ULDs) of celecoxib (2, 10 and 50 ng/kg) produced no change in morphine-induced memory impairment. However, co-administration of nanogram doses of celecoxib with 5mg/kg of morphine in the test day prevented morphine-induced memory improvement, an action different from mg/kg doses. These findings implicate the involvement of COX-2 in memory retrieval and demonstrate that the effect of celecoxib ULD is different from that of mg/kg doses.
    Brain Research Bulletin 12/2005; 67(6):443-7. · 2.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of ultra-low doses of morphine, naloxone and ethanol on morphine state-dependent memory of passive avoidance in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: This experiment examined and compared the effects of pre-test administration of morphine, naloxone and ethanol, at doses in the range of milligram/kg to those of nanogram/kg, on morphine state-dependent learning in a step-down passive avoidance task in mice. Morphine (5 mg/kg) administered before training impaired retention tested 24 hours later, but when the same dose of morphine was also administered before the test, the retention was significantly restored. Pre-training administration of 10 or 20 ng/kg (i.p.) of morphine had no effect, but when co-administered with the same drug at 5 mg/kg (s.c.), it prevented significantly the memory recall improvement after the administration of morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) alone. In a parallel experiment, naloxone (5 mg/kg) prevented the memory recall improvement by morphine. However, the effects of naloxone at doses in the range of ng/kg were opposite to those of milligram doses of the same drug. Pre-test administration of ethanol (1 mg/kg) improved memory recall and mimicked the effects of pre-test morphine administration. At doses in the nanogram range, the effects of ethanol were opposite those of mg/kg of the drug. A review of the literature indicates that, for several drugs and chemicals, the effects of nanogram doses are the opposite of the effects of milligrams, because different doses have different sites as well as mechanisms of actions. In conclusion, from the above results one may suggest that, in determination of the dose-response of at least some drugs, the study of the effects of doses much lower than two orders of magnitude of the minimum effective dose are warranted.
    Behavioural Pharmacology 06/2005; 16(3):139-45. · 2.72 Impact Factor
  • Article: Repeated administration of dopaminergic agents in the dorsal hippocampus and morphine-induced place preference.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of the present experiments was to investigate whether repeated intra-hippocampal CA1 (intra-CA1) administration of dopaminergic agents can affect morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Effects of repeated intra-CA1 injections of dopamine (DA) receptor agonists and antagonists on morphine-induced CPP in rats were investigated using an unbiased 3-day schedule of place conditioning. Animals receiving once-daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine (1-9 mg/kg) or saline (1.0 ml/kg, s.c.) showed a significant place preference in a dose-dependent manner: the maximum response was observed with 3 mg/kg morphine. Three days' intra-CA1 injections of apomorphine (0.25-1 microg/rat) followed by 5 days free of the drug, significantly decreased morphine CPP (1 and 3 mg/kg, s.c.). Moreover, pre-treatment with the highest dose of apomorphine (1 microg/rat) altered the effect of morphine to an aversive response. The morphine (1 and 3 mg/kg) CPP was also significantly decreased in animals that previously received three intra-CA1 injections of SKF 38393 (2-9 microg/rat), quinpirole (1-3 microg/rat) or sulpiride (1-3 microg/rat), and significantly increased in animals that had previously received three intra-CA1 injections of SCH 23390 (0.02 microg/rat). The 3-day pre-treatment with apomorphine, SKF 38393 or quinpirole reduced locomotor activity in the test session, while SCH 23390 and sulpiride did not have any influence on locomotor activity. It is concluded that repeated injections of DA receptor agents in the dorsal hippocampus, followed by 5 days free of the drugs, can affect morphine reward.
    Behavioural Pharmacology 04/2005; 16(2):85-92. · 2.72 Impact Factor
  • Article: Involvement of nucleus accumbens in L-arginine-induced conditioned place preference in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: In the present study, the effects of intraperitoneal, intra-accumbal and intra-ventral tegmental area administration of L-arginine and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME) on conditioned place preference behavior were studied. Intraperitoneal (i.p.; 0.5, 1 and 5 mg/kg) and intra-accumbal (intra-NAc; 0.3, 1 and 3 microg/rat), but not intra-ventral tegmental area (intra-VTA; 0.3, 1 and 3 microg/rat) administrations of L-arginine produced a significant place conditioning. Similar injections of L-NAME did not produce any response. However, intraperitoneal pretreatment of the animals with L-NAME (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), 30 min before L-arginine administration, significantly abolished the acquisition of place conditioning induced by either intraperitoneal or intra-accumbal injection of L-arginine. Moreover, injection of L-NAME (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on the test day did not alter the L-arginine response. The results may indicate that L-arginine induces conditioned place preference via an increase in nitric oxide (NO) in the nucleus accumbens.
    Behavioural Pharmacology 12/2004; 15(7):473-80. · 2.72 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of different doses of glucose and insulin on morphine state-dependent memory of passive avoidance in mice.
    M R Jafari, M R Zarrindast, B Djahanguiri
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    ABSTRACT: Behavioral effects of morphine, including its effect on memory, have been demonstrated to be influenced by glucose pretreatment. The measurement of step-down latency in passive avoidance has been used to study memory in laboratory animals. The pre-training injection of 5 mg/kg morphine impaired memory, which was restored when 24 h later the same dose of the drug was administered. To investigate the effects of glucose and insulin alone or in combination with morphine, on pre-test day, on memory recall in mice. The effects of different doses of glucose (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, IP) and insulin (5, 10, and 20 IU/kg, IP) alone or in combination with morphine, have been studied in mice. The blood glucose level and locomotor activity of the animals were also measured. Although the administration of glucose alone showed no effect on morphine-induced memory impairment, its co-administration with morphine resulted in a significant and dose-dependent memory enhancement compared with the effects of morphine administration alone. Like glucose, the administration of different doses of insulin alone produced no change in the memory, but when the drug was co-administered with morphine, it significantly reduced morphine-induced memory retrieval. The effect of insulin was the opposite of glucose. None of the animals subjected to insulin treatment showed convulsions. Glucose is suggested to increase, on the test day, the morphine-induced memory enhancement by three different mechanisms: cholinergic or opioidergic modulations, or regulation of the ATP-dependent potassium channels.
    Psychopharmacologia 11/2004; 175(4):457-62. · 4.08 Impact Factor
  • Article: Influence of beta-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on baclofen-induced memory impairment in mice.
    M R Zarrindast, H Haidari, M R Jafari, B Djahanguiri
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    ABSTRACT: Post-training administration of different doses of baclofen (a GABAB agonist) has been shown to impair memory retention, in a step-down passive avoidance test in mice. We have studied the effects of beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on baclofen-induced memory impairment in mice. Dobutamine (a beta 1-agonist) or salbutamol (a beta 2-agonist) reversed the memory impairment induced by baclofen without exhibiting intrinsic actions on memory when administered alone. The administration of atenolol (a beta 1-antagonist) or propranolol (a beta-antagonist) produced a memory impairment. When co-administered with baclofen, both atenolol and propranolol exacerbated the memory impairment induced by the GABAB agonist. It is concluded that beta-adrenergic mechanisms may be involved in the modulation of memory via GABAB receptors.
    Behavioural Pharmacology 08/2004; 15(4):293-7. · 2.72 Impact Factor
  • Article: Influence of potassium channel modulators on morphine state-dependent memory of passive avoidance.
    M R Zarrindast, M R Jafari, B Shafaghi, B Djahanguiri
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    ABSTRACT: In a step-down passive avoidance task, the pre-training injection of 1.25-10 mg/kg of morphine impaired memory. This was restored when injection of the same dose of morphine (pre-test treatment) was repeated 24 h later (morphine state-dependent learning: morphine St-D). ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels have been reported to be involved in several actions of morphine following mu-receptor stimulation. We have studied the effect of K(ATP) modulators and naloxone in the restoration of memory by morphine in mice. To investigate the part played by cholinergic systems in the effects of a K(ATP) antagonist (glibenclamide) on morphine St-D, we administered low doses of atropine before glibenclamide administration. Locomotor activity was also studied. Naloxone (0.06-1 mg/kg) reversed the effect of pre-test morphine administration. The effects of the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (2-18 mg/kg) were similar to those of the pre-test administration of morphine. Pre-test co-administration of glibenclamide and morphine showed no potentiation of the morphine effect. Glibenclamide alone or in combination with morphine did not affect locomotor activity. Pre-test administration of different doses of diazoxide (15-60 mg/kg), a K(ATP)-channel opener, had no effect on restoration of memory when used alone or in combination with morphine. In both cases, the locomotor activity was significantly reduced. Diazoxide blocked the effect of glibenclamide on memory recall. Low-dose atropine also prevented glibenclamide enhancement of memory recall, suggesting that this action of glibenclamide is through the cholinergic system.
    Behavioural Pharmacology 04/2004; 15(2):103-10. · 2.72 Impact Factor
  • Article: GABAergic system and imipramine-induced impairment of memory retention in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: In this study, the influence of GABAergic agents, imipramine and their interactions on memory retention have been investigated. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.; 1-6 microg/rat) or intraperitoneal (i.p.; 5-40 mg/kg) injection of imipramine decreased memory retention. i.c.v. administration of GABA receptor agonists baclofen and muscimol also reduced memory retention. The combination of i.p. or i.c.v. injection of imipramine with a low dose of muscimol (1 microg/rat, i.c.v.) induced a higher decrease in memory retention. The higher dose of GABA(B) receptor antagonist CGP35348 [p-(3-aminopropyl)-p-diethoxymethyl-phosphinic acid] (10 microg/rat) increased memory retention by itself, and decreased the response induced by baclofen or imipramine. Bicuculline (1, 2 and 4 microg/rat, i.c.v.) tends to increase memory retention by itself. Furthermore, bicuculline in same doses reduced the response induced by muscimol or imipramine, but it did not show interaction with the latter drugs. It is concluded that the GABA(B) receptor mechanism is involved in memory impairment induced by imipramine.
    European Neuropsychopharmacology 02/2004; 14(1):59-64. · 4.05 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2011
    • Islamic Azad University
      Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran
  • 1989–2011
    • Tehran University of Medical Sciences
      • Department of Pharmacology
      Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran
  • 1987–2011
    • University of Tehran
      • • School of Biology
      • • Department of Pharmacology
      Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran
  • 2004
    • Zanjan University of Medical Sciences
      Zanjān, Zanjan, Iran
  • 1997–1999
    • Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
      • Department of Pharmacology
      Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran
    • Tarbiat Modares University
      • Department of Physiology
      Tehrān, Ostan-e Tehran, Iran