Acquisition and retention of a conditioned avoidance response in mice as influenced by pemoline, by some of its derivatives and by some CNS stimulants

Summary

Pemoline (2-imino-5-phenyl-4-oxazolidinone), four of its derivatives and six CNS stimulants have been tested orally for their effect in improving acquisition of an avoidance response in albino and C₅₇ black mice. The experiments have been performed in a shuttle box using light as a conditioned stimulus and electric foot shock as an unconditioned stimulus. Pemoline, 10 mg/kg/day, over 5 days improved learning of the avoidance response. None of its derivatives and none of the CNS stimulants tested had a similar effect at the dosed used. The effect of pemoline was not enhanced by a concomitant administration of magnesium hydroxide. Pemoline did not have a clear-cut effect on the retention of the avoidance response.