Original Contribution CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF CRYSTAL METH IN PARALLEL WITH OXIDATIVE STRESS IMPAIRED SPATIAL MEMORY IN PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF MAIL RATS

Methamphetamine has neurotoxic effects on serotonergic, dopaminergic systems. These systems are responsible for learning and memory functions. Also oxidative stress is known to play a prominent role in the neurocognitive deficit, so the aim of present study is evaluates the effect of crystal meth on spatial learning and memory in parallel with oxidative stress parameters. 28 Male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including (I: sham, saline), (II: crystal meth 5 mg/kg), (III: crystal meth 10mg/kg); and (IV: crystal meth 15 mg/kg) (n=7). Characteristics of learning and spatial memory were assessed using Morris Water Maze (MWM). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assayed in all groups. Data analysis was performed by using one way ANOVA. Crystal meth reduced spatial memory and this reduction in the dose of 15 mg/kg was very high (p<0.001). The level of malondialdehyde increased in crystal meth 15 mg/kg (P<0.001). Significant elevation in SOD activity was shown in crystal meth 15 mg/kg (P<0.05). The level of CAT showed dose dependently increase in all crystal meth groups (P<0.001). The observations reveal that crystal meth can impaired the spatial memory as well as the disturbances in oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex of rats.