Cholinergic mechanisms in the learning and memory facilitating effect of the central stimulants. II. Influence of anticholinergic agents on the learning and memory facilitating effect of strychnine.

In experiments involving training of albino rats in a maze it has been found that strychnine (1 mg/kg) introduced 5 min before or immediately after training, improves learning and retention. Upon blocking of the central muscarine-sensitive cholinergic structures (scopolamine 2 mg/kg) and of the nicotine-sensitive structures (spasmolytin 20 mg/kg), the learning and memory facilitating effect of strychnine is not manifested. The realization of the learning and memory facilitating effect of strychnine requires optimum functional level of the activity of the central cholinergic system.