Improvement of spatial memory by (R)-α-methylhistamine, a histamine H3-receptor agonist, on the Morris water-maze in rat

This work aims to clarify the role of histamine in learning and memory. This is done by studying the effect of administration of the histamine precursor, L-histidine (His), and the agonist of the H-3 receptor (R)-alpha-methylhistamine (RAMH), on acquisition and retention of spatial reference memory in rats. Treatment with RAMH (10 mg/kg i.p.) facilitates recovery of spatial memory. In contrast, administration of His (500 mg/kg i.p.) does not affect the performance of this task. Moreover, pharmacological modulation of the cerebral histaminergic system does not impair the animal's behavioral flexibility, i.e. their ability to adapt to a new learning task in the same stimular context. Improved retention of spatial memory after a reduction in cerebral histamine confirms the modulating role of this neurotransmitter in memory processes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.