Memory storage impairment or retrieval failure: pharmacologically distinguishable processes.

The effects of reserpine and syrosingopine on retention of a passive avoidance task in mice were investigated. Following repeated exposure to the training apparatus, the amnesia induced with syrosingopine could be reversed, the amnesia induced with reserpine could not. The amnesia produced by these agents was still evident 35 days following training. The results were discussed in terms of the effects of these drugs on memory consolidation and/or retrieval.