EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM GANGLIOSIDE GM1 ADMINISTRATION ON A NEW DISCRIMINATIVE AVOIDANCE TEST IN NORMAL ADULT MICE

The beneficial effects of monosialoganglioside GM1 (GM1) on learning a nd memory have been detected mostly in animals presenting genetic, les ion-induced or age-related memory deficits. The present study was carr ied out to investigate the effects of GM1 on the discriminative avoida nce behavior of normal adult mice. EPM-M1 male mice were treated daily IP with 50 mg/kg GM1 or saline for 14 days. The discriminative avoida nce conditioning was performed on day 15 in a modified elevated plus-m aze. In one of the enclosed arms, the animals received aversive stimul ation (light and noise). Tests were performed on days 20, 25 and 30 (t ests 1, 2 and 3). The time the animals spent in each of the enclosed a rms was recorded. In tests 1 and 2, GM1-treated mice spent less time i n the aversive arm in comparison to the non-aversive enclosed arm. On the other hand, control animals spent a shorter time in the aversive a rm only in test 1. The results suggest that the beneficial effects of GM1 on learning and memory can be observed in normal animals as well.