A test of the cognitive-enhancing potential of low-dose mecamylamine in healthy non-smokers.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The beneficial effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists on cognitive performance have been widely shown. Paradoxically, recent preclinical studies employing extremely low doses of nAChR antagonists have also found cognitive enhancement, perhaps pointing to a novel treatment mechanism for cognitive deficits.

Objectives

The aim was to test whether low doses of the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine would benefit performance in human volunteers.

Methods

The study employed a double-blind within-subject design. Over four separate days, healthy adult non-smokers (n = 23) were tested with placebo and three trace doses of mecamylamine (0.25-1 mg, p.o.), adjusted for body weight. Participants performed three computerized tasks: a task of spatial select

SUBMITTER: Yuille MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5209795 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature