Strain-dependent effects of SGS742 in the mouse

SGS742 has been reported to increase spatial memory in rodents. However, effects of SGS742 have not been systematically assessed in different strains so far and indeed strains show different cognitive abilities per se. The aim of the study was therefore to examine the effect of SGS742 in three different inbred (C57BL/6J, DBA/2, BALB/c) strains and three outbred strains (CD1, CF1, OF1). Mice were administered intra-peritonial (3-aminopropyl)n-butylphosphinic acid (SGS742; GABA (B)-receptor antagonist) and tested in the Morris water maze (MWM). Open field, elevated plus maze, neurological observational battery and rota rod were carried out to support interpretation of data. SGS742 enhanced performance in the MWM in an inbred strain, C57BL/6J and in the outbred strain OF1 in terms of learning and memory formation at the consolidation level. A series of side effects as e.g. reduced motor coordination and proprioception were noticed that, however, may not have been influencing results observed in the cognition task. In conclusion, SGS742 enhanced cognitive performance in two mouse strains and we learned that testing compounds for effects on spatial memory should be carried out in several strains or even different species in order to claim cognitive enhancement.