Summary
In the first experiment rats were trained in black-white discrimination, then injected with 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazol (Metrazol) or saline. Injections were given immediately or 15 min following training. The animals were retested 24 hours later. Improved performance was observed for drug groups, but the extent of improvement was a joint function of the amount of drug and the time at which it was given. Animals given 10 mg/kg showed greater retention when injection was delayed. In a second experiment animals were given spaced trials in a position discrimination task, extending over a period of several days. Following each day's, session, animals were injected with pentylenetetrazol or saline at intervals of 0, 5 or 10 min. A maximum facilitation effect was obtained at the 10-min interval.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bovet, D., Bovet-Nitti, F., Oliverio, A.: Genetic aspects of learning and memory in mice. Science 163, 139–149 (1969).
Hunt, E. B.: A model of information acquisition and use. In: F. Klix (Ed.): The Organization of Human Information Processing. Berlin: Akademie-Verlag 1967.
—, Krivanek, J.: The effects of pentylenetetrazol and methylphenoxypropane on discrimination learning. Psychopharmacologia (Berl.) 9, 1–16 (1966).
Irwin, S., Benuazizi, A.: Pentylenetetrazol enhances memory function. Science 152, 100–101 (1966).
Krivanek, J., Hunt, E. B.: The effects of post-trial injections of pentylenetetrazol, strychnine, and mephenesin on discrimination learning. Psychopharmacologia (Berl.) 10, 189–195 (1967).
— McGaugh, J.: Effects of pentylenetetrazol on memory storage in mice. Psychopharmacologia (Berl.) 12, 303–321 (1968).
McGaugh, J.: Time dependent processes in memory storage. Science 153, 1351–1358 (1966).
—, Petrinovich, L.: Drug effects on learning and memory. Int. Rev. Neurobiol. 8, 139–196 (1965).
Petrinovich, L. P.: Drug facilitation of learning: Strain differences. Psychopharmacologia (Berl.) 10, 375–378 (1967).
Snedecor, G.: Statistical Methods (5th ed.). Ames: Iowa State College Press 1956.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research partially supported by the U.S.Public Health Service, Grant MH 13673-01, and partially by the University of Washington Graduate School Research Fund. We wish to express our thanks to Patricia McGurk for her assistance in Experiment II.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hunt, E.B., Bauer, R.H. Facilitation of learning by delayed injections of pentylenetetrazol. Psychopharmacologia 16, 139–146 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403616
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00403616