Effects of vasopressin and analogue [d(CH2)1(5), Tyr (Me)2, Val4, delta 3Pro7)] AVP on learning and memory in rats chronically treated with ethanol.

Rats with impaired active and passive avoidance induced by chronic administration of ethanol were studied. Vasopressin (AVP) and analogue (d(CH2)1(5), Tyr (Me)2, Val4, delta 3Pro7] AVP (icv, 2 micrograms) eliminated the toxic effect of ethanol, and analogue AVP improved retrieval of passive avoidance situation in both control and postalcohol groups of rats. Chronically administered ethanol markedly depressed the ability to learn. AVP administered icv markedly delayed extinction of conditioned avoidance situation in both groups of rats, and did not influence acquisition in this test. Analogue AVP has no influence on extinction and acquisition in the control and post-alcohol groups of rats.