Influence of ATP-sensitive potassium channels on lithium state-dependent memory of passive avoidance in mice

The effects of ATP-sensitive potassium channels on lithium induced state-dependent memory of passive avoidance task were examined in mice. The pre-training (5 mg/kg) and pre-test (5 mg/kg) injection of lithium impaired memory retrieval on the test day. Impairment of pre-training lithium was restored by pre-test administration of lithium (5 mg/kg), diazoxide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg) or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker, (6 and 18 mg/kg). Pre-test administration of inactive doses of lithium (2.5 and 10 mg/kg) plus lower and inactive dose of glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) or diazoxide (1.5 mg/kg) also reversed the amnesia induced by pre-training lithium (5 mg/kg). In conclusion, the ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener or blocker not only mimicked the effect of lithium in state-dependent learning in the absence of lithium on the test day, but also potentiated the effect of low dose of lithium in restoration of memory. Therefore, ATP-sensitive potassium channels may have a modulatory influence on lithium response.