LOSARTAN IMPROVES THE PERFORMANCE OF ETHANOL-INTOXICATED RATS IN AN 8-ARM RADIAL MAZE

Results of previous research demonstrate that angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibits long-term potentiation (LTP) in medial perforant path-dentate gyrus granule cells and that the inhibition is mediated by the AT(1) receptor because it can be blocked by losartan, a specific AT(1) recep tor antagonist. Ang II impairment of retention and ethanol inhibition of LTP can both be blocked by pretreatment with losartan. Because losa rtan pretreatment also prevents ethanol intoxication measured in terms of the aerial righting reflex, the purpose of the present study was t o assess the effects of 2.0 g/kg ethanol administered by gavage on per formance in an eight-arm radial maze, and then to determine the effect iveness of losartan in reducing the impairment of the learning and mem ory process. Results confirmed the general hypothesis that ethanol-ind uced cognitive deficits are mediated by Ang II and the AT(1) receptor and that the impairment can be reduced by pretreatment with losartan. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.