Prevention of retrograde amnesia by injection of magnesium pemoline in dimethylsulfoxide

Summary It was demonstrated that magnesium pemoline in DMSO attenuates ECS-produced retrograde amnesia when administered prior to training in a passive avoidance task. We also observed that although there is RA for the specific step-off response that led to painful footshock, Ss receiving ECS showed an increase in emotionality similar to footshock controls suggesting RA for the specific response but not the general test situation. High doses of pemoline (24 mg/kg) not followed by ECS disrupted performance of the response but not retention. Magnesium hydroxide Mg (OH)₂ 8 mg/kg administered in DMSO proved to be severely disrupting when followed by ECS indicating an interaction with pemoline since pemoline without magnesium + ECS and Mg (OH)₂ + FS had no effect on performance in this type of situation.This research was supported by NSF grant No. GB 7041 to both authors.