The effect of ascorbic acid on spatial learning‌

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ascorbic acid with low & high density has respectively agonistic & antiagonistic affects on both dopaminergic & glutamatergic systems. These two systems directly affect learning & memory. Objective: To determine the effect of ascorbic acid on spatial learning. Methods: Male rats (220-280 gr) were trained in an 8-arm radial maze apparatus. Ascorbate (100, 500, 1000 mg/kg,I.P) was injected to the subjects & some rats recieved 0/5 ul of Ascorbate (4,8 ug/ul) that were injected into Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Findings: The injection of Ascorbate (100-500 mg/kg I.P) facilitates spatial learning dose- dependently but 1000 mg/kg of Ascorbate impaires it. The injection of 4ug/ul of Ascorbate into VTA facilitates spatial learning whereas injection of 8ug/ul of Ascorbate impaires it. Conclusion: Ascorbate faccilitates spatial learning when used with low or average dose and conversely impaires it when used with high dose.