Anti-amnesic effect of ACTH4-10: its independence of the nature of the amnesic agent and the behavioral test.

It was found previously that ACTH_4–10 is able to alleviate the CO₂-induced retrograde amnesia for a step-through passive avoidance response when injected into rats 1 hr prior to the retrieval test. The present investigation was undertaken to establish whether ACTH_4–10 has a similar effect if a different amnesia agent and a different behavioral task are used. It appeared that electroconvulsive shock induced amnesia for a one-trial thirst-motivated response. This amnesia could be reduced by administration of ACTH_4–10 1 hr prior to the retrieval test. Administration of ACTH_4–10 1 hr prior to the acquisition was ineffective. It was concluded that ACTH_4–10 exerts a retrieval-promoting effect independent of the nature of the amnesic agent and the behavioral task.