PIRACETAM AND FIPEXIDE PREVENT PTZ-KINDLING-PROVOKED AMNESIA IN RATS

Deficit in active and inhibitory avoidance behaviour has been found in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled rats. This supports the view that me mory deficit is an integral part of epilepsy. In the present study we examined the effect of the nootropic drugs piracetam and fipexide on m emory deficit induced by PTZ-kindling in shuttle-box- and step-down-tr ained rats. The retention in piracetam- and fipexide-treated animals w as significantly improved compared to the kindled controls. The mechan isms of action of the two drugs are considered. The favourable effects of nootropic drugs in cases of amnesia provoked by PTZ-kindling might be of interest in clinical practice.