In vivo study to compare the effects of choline with fluoxetine and clozapine for the modulation of cognitive behavior (Learning memory and exploratory behavior)

Abstract

Cognitive behavior is associated with physiological processes that affect the working performance of an individual. Cognitive control is used to override self-serving impulses and behave in socially desirable manner. The objective of the study is to compare the effects of Choline with Fluoxetine and Clozapine for the modulation of cognitive behavior including learning, memory, locomotor, exploratory behavior and anxiety. The study was based on twenty four albino rats divided into four equal groups: (1) Control kept on normal saline (2) Fluoxetine (3) Clozapine (4) Choline. Morris Water Maze (WM) test was used for the psychological assessment based on neural mechanism involved in spatial learning and memory. Open field activity test evaluated locomotor and exploratory behavior. The behavior modulation in WM test and open field activity test was determined at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th week. Fluoxetine, Clozapine and Choline were used as drugs and administered to the rat groups mentioned earlier. The modulation of behavior in WM test and Open field activity test was recorded at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th week after administering the drugs. Impairment in learning behavior in Fluoxetine treated group was observed at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th week and in Clozapine group at 1st and 2nd week when compared to Control (Saline) group. Rise in latency time was observed in Fluoxetine treated group but was not significant. Clozapine and Choline had exhibited beneficial effects in memory retention and prevention of learning impairment. The findings have led to the conclusion that Choline and Clozapine improve the memory retention after continuous administration of 5 and 7 weeks. Moreover, Clozapine has different receptor specificity as compared to Choline. However, both improve the learning capability and enhance the memory in rats. Meanwhile, Fluoxetine did not show any considerable enhancement of memory.