Introduction: The increase in spatial learning and memory performance
caused by music is called the ‘Mozart effect’. Increased NMDA receptor
(NMDAR) expression plays a role in this effect. Inhibition of NMDARs
reduces Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) % values. The study aims to investigate
the relationship between the Mozart effect and the NMDAR expression.
Methods: Rats were divided into 6 groups. Three groups listened to
white noise (WN) while the other three groups listened to Mozart (M).
After the rats were performed in the 8-arm radial maze test, one of the
three groups in both sound environments was chosen as the control
group and was injected with saline. For the remaining two groups, one
was injected with ketamine and the other was injected with MK-801.
Then all groups underwent the PPI protocol.
Results: It was found that Mozart groups had higher memory errors. The
M+MK-801 group had lower PPI% values with 74 dB prepulse compared
to the WN+Ketamine group.
Conclusions: While the Mozart effect was not observed, on the contrary,
a decrease in memory performance was detected. The effect of music on
NMDARs may be at levels that do not change PPI values. Considering
that parameters like the duration and intensity of music may cause stress,
repeating the experiment with different conditions may provide new clues.
Keywords: Learning, memory, Mozart effect, music, prepulse inhibition