The 5-HT sub(2) receptor antagonist ketanserine prevents electroconvulsive shock- and clonidine-induced amnesia

• Published in: Pharmacology, biochemistry and behavior Vol. 49; no. 4; pp. 849 - 852
• Main Authors: Genkova-Papazova, M, Lazarova-Bakarova, M, Petkov, V D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1994
• ISSN: 0091-3057

The 5-HT sub(2)-selective antagonist ketanserine was examined for its ability to prevent electroconvulsive shock (ECS)- or clonidine-induced performance deficit in the passive avoidance situation (step-down) in rats. The posttrain intraperitoneal injection of ketanserine at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg prevented the ECS- or clonidine-provoked amnesia upon retention tests given 3 h, 24 h, and 7 days after training. The present data favor the view that the selective modification of 5-HT sub(2) receptors after training can prevent the performance deficit in step-down-trained rats and suggest a role of the 5-HTergic neurotransmitter system in memory. The results of this study further suggest that 5-HTergic receptor antagonists might be useful in treatment of cognitive disorders.