Prevot et al (2019)

https://student.thinkib.net/psychology/page/31712/prevot-et-al-2019

Aim

Whether manipulating GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with providing a calming effect) could positively influence impaired memory function in an animal model.

Procedure

Mice that suffered from memory impairment either from chronic stress or age were placed alone in a Y-shaped maze. Normally, healthy mice are able to alternate between the arms of the Y when continually placed back at the start of the maze. Mice with impaired working memory tend to explore the same arm repeatedly and wander aimlessly. The mice were allocated to either the placebo condition (control) or the drug condition.

Results

The mice performed significantly better than those who received the placebo, there was an improvement in spatial working memory. The mice with the drug treatment also showed new hippocampal cell growth.

Evaluation