Antonova et al

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

to examine the role on ACh on memory, by investigating the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal function using fMRIs

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

Antonova used a sample of 20 healthy males with mean age 28. It was double blind procedure and participants were randomly allocated to two conditions. either injected placebo or scopolamine( counterbalanced). participants were put inside an FMRI while playing the arena task a game where goal is to locate the pole. researchers observed how well participants created spatial memories. when they located the ole teh screen went blank and the arena reappeared with them in a different starting point. They had to locate pole again in 2.5 minutes six times. procedure was reapeated again 1 month later which participants received reversed treatment.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

Researchers found when participants were injected with scopolamine their accuracy decreased as well as less activation in the hippocampus compared to placebo group

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

They concluded that blocking ACh receptors in the brain can affect spatial memory. so scopolamine impairs learning of new information and ACh plays role in encoding spatial memory in humans.

Question 5

LINK

Answer 5

study shows how neurotransmitter ACh affects human behaviour memory causing decrease due to low levels of ACh

Question 6

main discussion

Answer 6

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a versatile neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in neural communication. It has both excitatory and inhibitory effects, allowing it to modulate neural activity. ACh acts as a protagonist and antagonist in synapses, maintaining the delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals. In its excitatory role, ACh facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses by binding to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane, promoting the generation of action potentials. On the other hand, ACh also acts as an inhibitory agent, contributing to processes like synaptic pruning, which helps eliminate excessive neural connections and improve neural circuits. This interplay of excitatory and inhibitory actions makes ACh a key player in cognitive functions, motor control, and autonomic processes, underscoring its crucial role in the intricate network of neurotransmission.