BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS OF NBQX, A COMPETITIVE ANTAGONIST OF THE AMPA RECEPTORS

NBQX, a specific and potent AMPA receptor antagonist has been found to be neuroprotective in various models of ischemia and to have anticonv ulsant properties in different models of epilepsy. In this experiment, the neurobehavioral effects of NBQX were studied. In an open field, a n important ataxia was emphasized at a dose of 60 mg/kg. In a swimming task, an increase of the escape latencies was noted on the third day at a dose of 40 mg/kg. In a Morris water maze task, doses devoid of ef fects on locomotion were used (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg). There was no eff ect an the acquisition of the task at 10 mg/kg and a slight impairment at 20 mg/kg, but the rats did not learn the task at 30 mg/kg. This im pairment was reversible, as shown by the increasing performance of thi s group without treatment. No impairment was noted in the retention ph ase of the Morris water maze task. The results are discussed relative to the role of the AMPA receptor in memory processes. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science Inc.