Learning And Memory Alterations in Rats Following Postnatal Hypoxia and Effects of Haloperidol; Implications For Schizophrenia

Mihnea Costin Manea; Maria Gabriela Puiu; Mirela Manea; Anne-Marie Constantin; Simona Tache

Volume : V, Issue : I, January - 2015

Learning And Memory Alterations in Rats Following Postnatal Hypoxia and Effects of Haloperidol; Implications For Schizophrenia

Mihnea Costin Manea, Maria Gabriela Puiu, Mirela Manea, Anne 45 Marie Constantin, Simona Tache

Abstract :

Background. Postnatal hypoxia may create conditions for complex changes in neurodevelopmental origin of schizophrenia. Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia affect the ain structural and functional integrity. Aims. We study the effects and the gender differences of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia in male and female rats and the effects of Haloperidol administration. Methods. Rats were exposed during postnatal days 7–21 to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia and tested using Morris water maze (MWM) test in day 22 and day 49. Results. In male and female rats with schizophrenia MWM test evidenced decreases of motor learning and memory, compared to controls and increases of motor learning and memory after Haloperidol treatment, compared to the initial values. The Haloperidol treatment determined significant memory increases in male rats, compared to female rats. Conclusions. Haloperidol would be effective in treating cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.