Maze learning in aged rats is enhanced by phenserine, a novel anticholinesterase.

A new generation of cholinesterase inhibitors is expected to overcome some limitations of the therapeutic use of anticholinesterases. Phenserine is a long-acting and selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase with a preferential brain uptake. We have assessed the effects of chronic phenserine tartrate treatment on performance of aged Fischer-344 rats in the 14-unit T-maze. Phenserine (1-3 mg kg-1, i.p.) treatment for 5 days significantly reduced the number of errors made in the Stone maze. Other performance variables were also improved. No side effects were noted across 5 days treatment at doses of 1-2 mg kg-1. Phenserine can therefore improve the performance of aged rats in this complex maze task without producing obvious side effects.