Cholinergic influence on memory facilitation induced by angiotensin II in rats

The influence of the cholinesterase inhibitor galanthamine (Nivalin), of the cholinergic agonist oxotremorine, and of the muscarinic cholinergic antagonist scopolamine on the retention-improving effect of angiotensin II (AT II) was studied in male Wistar rats trained and tested for retention (24h later) using two paradigms: two-way active avoidance (shuttle-box) and passive (step-through) avoidance. AT II and the cholinergic agonists, administered together potentiated their retention-improving effects, while scopolamine abolished the memory effect of AT II. It is suggested that brain cholinergic neurotransmission participates in the mechanisms of the memory-facilitating effect of AT II.