Exposure to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on postnatal days 11–20 induces reference but not working memory deficits in the Morris water maze in rats: implications of prior learning
International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience August 1, 2004 Charles V. Vorhees, Tracy M. Reed, Matthew R. Skelton et al. 76 citations
Rats exposed to MDMA on postnatal days 11–20 showed consistent impairments in spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze when tested on that maze first, with longer latencies, longer path lengths, and greater cumulative distance from the goal compared to saline controls. On probe trials, MDMA-treated animals that received the water maze first had increased distance from the target site. No MDMA effects were observed on cued trials, straight channel swimming, or working memory, indicating the drug did not impair swimming ability or basic task skills. No MDMA effects were found on the Barnes maze, though interpretation was limited by poor performance on that task.