Effects of angiotensin II on the acquisition of conditioned avoidance response in alcohol-dependent rats

The effect of angiotensin II (ANG II), given in a single intraventricular dose (2 micrograms ivc), on the course of acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response was studied in rats pretreated with alcohol. Ethanol administered for 6 or 18 days did not affect the acquisition, while a prolonged administration (for 2 months) markedly depressed the ability to learn. This effect was not only reversed by ANG II, but the peptide significantly elevated the acquisition rate above the control value.