RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Restoration of Neuronal Plasticity by a Phosphodiesterase Type 1 Inhibitor in a Model of Fetal Alcohol Exposure
JF The Journal of Neuroscience
JO J. Neurosci.
FD Society for Neuroscience
SP 1057
OP 1060
DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4177-05.2006
VO 26
IS 3
A1 Medina, Alexandre E.
A1 Krahe, Thomas E.
A1 Ramoa, Ary S.
YR 2006
UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/26/3/1057.abstract
AB Although some studies showed the efficacy of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors as neuronal plasticity enhancers, little is known about the effectiveness of these drugs to improve plasticity in cases of mental retardation. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the leading cause of mental retardation in the western world. Using a combination of electrophysiological and optical imaging techniques, we show here that vinpocetine, a PDE type I inhibitor, restores ocular dominance plasticity in the ferret model of fetal alcohol exposure. Our finding should contribute to a better understanding and treatment of cognitive deficits associated with mental disorders, such as FAS.