Interactions of scopolamine and physostigmine with ECS and one trial learning.

DAVIS, J. W., R. K. THOMAS, JR. AND H. E. ADAMs. Interactions of scopolamine and physostigmine with ECS and one trial learning. PHYSIOL. BEHAV. 6 (3) 219-222, 1971.-Twelve groups of 10 rats were trained on a one-trial, passive avoidance task and were tested for retention four hr later. Six groups received electroconvulsive shock (ECS) immediately following the learning trial, and the remaining six groups were in a non-ECS condition. The six groups in both the ECS and non-ECS conditions were divided into three groups which received either saline, scopolamine or physostigmine injections before the learning trial and three groups which received the injections before the retention trial. The results suggested that physostigmine prior to the learning trial or scopolamine prior to the retention trial protected memory from the normally disruptive effects of ECS. In addition, scopolamine alone before the learning trial or physostigmine alone before the retention trial had a disruptive effect on retention. Results are discussed in terms of influences of the drugs and/or ECS on ACh activity.