Effects of 4-hydroxy, 4-phenyl, caproamide on pentylenetetrazol-induced amnesia.

Early reports suggest a relationship between pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions (PTZ) and amnesia. 4,-Hydroxy,4-phenyl caproamide (YPCA) is potently anti-convulsant against PTZ-induced convulsions. The purpose of these experiments is to show the possible role of PTZ in these amnestic effects. Experiment 1 proves YPCA antagonism of PTZ-induced convulsions in mice. Experiment 2 shows how YPCA, injected before PTZ and after animal training, protects against convulsions, leaving memory storage unaffected. However, when YPCA is injected before training (10 and 5 min) and PTZ 15 min afterwards (5 and 10 min after training), a retention impairment was observed. The results are discussed in terms that emphasize the need of convulsions in retrograde amnesia. Experiment 3 shows that foot shock is necessary for passive avoidance acquisition. Experiment 4 shows that subconvulsive doses of PTZ (5,10,20, and 40 mg/kg-1) have no effect on memory.