Memantine mitigates methamphetamine-induced impairments in social and recognition memories in rats.

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused neurotoxic substance that can lead to neurocognitive disabilities. Recent studies have shown that memantine (MEM), an NMDA receptor antagonist, can improve cognitive function across various disorders. Given that previous studies have revealed that exposure to METH leads to several social and cognitive impairments, this research aimed to investigate the effects of MEM on social memory, social behavior, and novel object recognition impairments caused by chronic METH exposure. Adult male Wistar rats received a regimen of METH, which causes neurotoxicity (four injections of 6 mg/kg, s.c., at 2-h intervals). After one week, the effects of MEM (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on novel object recognition memory and social behaviors in the experimental groups were examined.

Results: Animals exposed to the METH regimen exhibited significant impairments in the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval stages of novel object recognition memory. However, treatment with MEM ameliorated the detrimental effects of METH on the acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval, but not the reconsolidation, of novel object recognition memory. Additionally, the results revealed that METH-triggered deficits in social interaction and behavior were improved by MEM treatment.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that MEM administration effectively ameliorated memory impairments induced by chronic METH exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the neuroprotective effects of MEM on novel object memory, social memory, and social behaviors.