Ascorbic acid supplementation could affect passive avoidance learning and memory in rat

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required for health and, in particular, its supplementation has beneficial effects in some pathological conditions. There are conflicting reports regarding the usefulness of ascorbic acid in the treatment of dementia. In this study, we investigated the effects of acute, short- and long-term pre-training administration of ascorbic acid (60,120 mg/kg) on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in rats. Retention test was done 24 h after training. The results showed that acute injection of ascorbic acid had no significant effect on PAL. On the other hand, both in the short- and long-term ascorbic acid treated groups trials to acquisition were less than control group. Also, ascorbic acid prolonged the step-through latency (STL) and decreased the time spent in the dark compartment in retention test. Thus, it can be concluded that short- and long-term supplementation with ascorbic acid has facilitatory effects on acquisition and retrieval processes of passive avoidance learning and memory in rats.