Moclobemide enhances aversively motivated learning and memory in rats

Moclobemide belongs to a new class of short-acting reversible monoamine oxidase type A inhibitors with antidepressant activity. Male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were administered single and multiple (14x, daily) intragastrical doses of 20 mg/kg of moclobemide. The effects of the drug on the acquisition of conditioned avoidance responses (CARs), retrieval of passive avoidance, recognition memory, psychomotor activity in open field, and level of anxiety in an elevated "plus" maze were assessed. Moclobemide, given repeatedly, increased rate of the CAR acquisition, retrieval of the passive avoidance and had some anxiolytic properties. The drug, however, did not influence rats' psychomotor activity tested in open field and their ability to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar objects. The results show that moclobemide in rats, given chronically, enhances aversively motivated learning and does not influence recognition.