Event Title
The Pharmacological Examination of D-Cycloserine and Abilify following Chronic MK801 Administration in Mice
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Grace Rossi
Major/Area of Research
Chemistry
Description
Although mental illnesses are common problems in today’s society, there are few effective treatments for the multiple symptoms of schizophrenia and anxiety. Both mental illnesses have been shown to result in cognitive deficits in learning and memory, and decreased activity levels. The only current treatments for these illnesses are antipsychotic medicine for schizophrenia, and CBT, Exposure Therapy, and anti-anxiety medicine for anxiety. However, a newly discovered antibiotic, D-Cycloserine, and Abilify, are thought to be effective treatments. These drugs can be tested easily on mice that have been given MK801, a drug that induces the cognitive deficits seen in these disorders. The purpose of this study is to find out if DCS reduces cognitive deficits and increases activity levels associated with anxiety and schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice and to determine if Abilify will enhance the treatment of these disorders when combined with DCS in mice. Methodology included testing the mice in a maze and an activity chamber. Data collected included errors and time in the maze, and moves and move time, jumps, stereotypy, and rest time in the activity chamber. Data was analyzed through a series of ANOVAs and T-Tests. It was found that neither drug had a significant effect on activity levels or cognitive functioning separately. However, when combined, the drugs significantly improved cognitive functioning and increased activity levels, indicating that the drugs appear to only work in combination, and are not helpful alone.
The Pharmacological Examination of D-Cycloserine and Abilify following Chronic MK801 Administration in Mice
Although mental illnesses are common problems in today’s society, there are few effective treatments for the multiple symptoms of schizophrenia and anxiety. Both mental illnesses have been shown to result in cognitive deficits in learning and memory, and decreased activity levels. The only current treatments for these illnesses are antipsychotic medicine for schizophrenia, and CBT, Exposure Therapy, and anti-anxiety medicine for anxiety. However, a newly discovered antibiotic, D-Cycloserine, and Abilify, are thought to be effective treatments. These drugs can be tested easily on mice that have been given MK801, a drug that induces the cognitive deficits seen in these disorders. The purpose of this study is to find out if DCS reduces cognitive deficits and increases activity levels associated with anxiety and schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice and to determine if Abilify will enhance the treatment of these disorders when combined with DCS in mice. Methodology included testing the mice in a maze and an activity chamber. Data collected included errors and time in the maze, and moves and move time, jumps, stereotypy, and rest time in the activity chamber. Data was analyzed through a series of ANOVAs and T-Tests. It was found that neither drug had a significant effect on activity levels or cognitive functioning separately. However, when combined, the drugs significantly improved cognitive functioning and increased activity levels, indicating that the drugs appear to only work in combination, and are not helpful alone.