MEMORY FACILITATION WITH ATROPINE - A PARADOXICAL EFFECT

The potential antiamnesic properties of atropine were investigated in the mouse passive avoidance test. Amnesia was induced by scopolamine ( 2 mg/kg i.p.) and by exposure to a hypoxic environment (5% O-2 in wate r-saturated nitrogen) for 8 min. Atropine (1-10 mu g/kg s.c.) complete ly prevented disrupted acquisition without improving learning in mice with memory deficiency. At the same doses atropine did not produce any behavioural side effects in mice. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Song, Ltd.