Torpor Does Not Influence Spatial Memory in Hibernating Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels ().

AbstractMammalian hibernation in ground squirrels is characterized by periods of torpor wherein body temperature approaches ambient temperature and metabolism is reduced to as low as 1/100th of active rates. It is unclear how hibernation affects long-term spatial memory, as tremendous remodeling of neurons is associated with torpor use. Given the suspected links between remodeling and memory formation and retention, we examined long-term spatial memory retention throughout a hibernation season.

Maternal separation increases methamphetamine-induced damage in the striatum in male, but not female rats.

Methamphetamine abuse impacts the global economy through costs associated with drug enforcement, emergency room visits, and treatment. Previous research has demonstrated early life stress, such as childhood abuse, increases the likelihood of developing a substance abuse disorder. However, the effects of early life stress on neuronal damage induced by binge methamphetamine administration are unknown.

Altered locomotor and stereotyped responses to acute methamphetamine in adolescent, maternally separated rats.

Rationale: Neonatal maternal separation (MS) has been used to model the effects of early life stress in rodents. MS alters behavioral responses to a variety of abused drugs, but few studies have examined its effects on methamphetamine sensitivity.

Objectives: We sought to determine the effects of MS on locomotor and stereotyped responses to low-to-moderate doses of methamphetamine in male and female adolescent rats.