Modafinil facilitates performance on a delayed nonmatching to position swim task in rats.

TitleModafinil facilitates performance on a delayed nonmatching to position swim task in rats.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsWard CP, Harsh JR, York KM, Stewart KL, McCoy JG
JournalPharmacol Biochem Behav
Volume78
Issue4
Pagination735-41
Date Published2004 Aug
ISSN0091-3057
KeywordsAnimals, Benzhydryl Compounds, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Male, Maze Learning, Motor Activity, Psychomotor Performance, Rats, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Swimming
Abstract

Modafinil is a wake-promoting drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of narcolepsy. Recent evidence suggests that modafinil may improve learning and memory processes. To further evaluate possible cognitive properties associated with modafinil, male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested in a delayed nonmatching to position (DNMTP) task. A modified water maze allowed animals to make one of two choices for the location of the escape platform. Each trial consisted of two swims. On the information swim (IS), only one choice was open to the animal for escape. One minute later, a choice swim (CS) presented the animal with two choices with the escape platform in the opposite position. There were 10 trials per day for 10 days. Rats received 0, 30, 55, or 100 mg/kg ip of modafinil 30 min prior to testing. Locomotor activity was also assessed. Animals that received 55 and 100 mg/kg made significantly more correct choices, indicating that higher doses of modafinil learned the task faster than did controls. While animals that received 100 mg/kg did exhibit an enhancement of locomotor activity, this effect did not result in more efficient goal-directed behavior. The evidence is consistent with previous research showing that modafinil facilitates cognitive processes.

DOI10.1016/j.pbb.2004.05.005
Alternate JournalPharmacol. Biochem. Behav.
PubMed ID15301929