TRIMETHYLTIN IMPAIRS RETENTION OF A PASSIVE-AVOIDANCE TASK

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 4  (2) , 163-167
Abstract
Trimethyltin [TMT] is a neurotoxic organometal which produces neuronal damage in several limbic regions including the hippocampus, amygdala and the pyriform cortex. One administration of trimethyltin (5, 6 or 7 mg/kg) 21 days prior to passive avoidance conditioning produced an impairment of retention when rats were tested 24 h after training. Rats treated with TMT exhibited shorter step-through latencies and freezing durations during the retention test. The 3 dosages of TMT were equally effective in disrupting retention performance. These retention deficits were not secondary to alterations in footshock sensitivity. Acute TMT administration disrupted learning and memory. This compound might be a useful tool for examining the role of the limbic system in associative processes.