TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1999//
TI  - Divided attention-enhancing effects of AF102B and THA in aging monkeys
JO  - Psychopharmacology
A1  - O'Neill, J.
A1  - Fitten, L. J.
A1  - Siembieda, D. W.
A1  - Crawford, K. C.
A1  - Halgren, E.
A1  - Fisher, A.
A1  - Refai, D.
SP  - 123
EP  - 130
VL  - 143
IS  - 2
N2  - The effects of cholinergic drugs proposed for treatment of cognitive impairment in normal aging and dementia on divided attention have been little studied in non-human primates. We tested the hypothesis that cholinergic drugs improve spatial divided attention in primates via a computer task requiring simultaneous tracking of two visual targets in three young and two aged healthy bonnet macaques. Task accuracy (number of correct responses) and reaction time (RT) were measured 2 h after administration of either the m1 agonist +/- -cis-2-methyl-spiro(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3')quinuclidine (AF102B; 0.1-2.1 mg/kg IM) or the cholinesterase inhibitor 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroamino-acridine (THA; 0.5-2.0 mg/kg orally). Accuracy increased for four of five monkeys at appropriate doses of one or both cholinomimetics, accompanied in two monkeys by a drop in RT. Responses were less uniform to THA than to AF102B. For the five-monkey group at Best dose, accuracy increased 34% (THA) or 43% (AF102B) above baseline (P<0.05 for both drugs), respectively, with no significant change in RT and with minimal untoward effects. Cholinotherapy may improve divided attention in young and aged healthy primates.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0033-3158
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -