The NMDA and GABA-A receptors in behavioral activity of rats.

The effects of bicuculline (0.25 mg/kg ip) and AP-7 (5 nmols icv) on the processes of retrieval, consolidation of conditioned reflexes, object recognition and locomotor activity were tested in rats. AP-7, bicuculline and AP-7 with bicuculline increased (but not significantly) locomotor and exploratory activity in the open field test. Only coadministration of AP-7 with bicuculline facilitated retrieval of passive avoidance in rats, but was without effect on consolidation in this test. AP-7 or bicuculline also did not influence on consolidation, when they were given alone. Object recognition was impaired (but not significantly) in groups of rats treated with bicuculline and bicuculline with AP-7.