Martinez and Kesner
Martinez and Kesner (1991)
ACh in memory formation
Aim:
To investigate the role of ACh in memory formation
Procedure:
Experimental study using rats. They were trained to run a maze. They were divided into three groups.
- Group 1: received injection with scopolamine (blocks Ach receptor sites, reducing available ACh).
- Group 2: received injection with physostigmine (blocks production of cholinesterase (enzyme) which cleans up Ach from the synapses) leading to more available ACh.
- Group 3: The control group.
Results:
- Group 1 had problems finding their way through the maze and made more mistakes.
- Group 2 ran quickly through the maze and made few mistakes. The group was quicker than the control group.
Evaluation:
The study shows that ACh is important in memory since the rats showed different memory capacity depending on ACh level. Since this was a controlled laboratory experiment, it can be concluded that the level of ACh is one factor that affects memory but the neurobiology of memory is very complex.