2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (AP3) and its N-methyl analog improve learning and memory in rats

The influence of 2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (AP3), an antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptors and its N-methyl analog (N-methyl AP3) on acquisition, consolidation and recall of information in a passive avoidance situation was tested. Both compounds improved three examined parameters. The significant effect of AP3 appeared at the icv dose of 12.5 micrograms per rat when its influence on acquisition and consolidation was tested, and at the icv dose of 100 micrograms when its influence on retrieval process was evaluated. The significant improvement of acquisition of information was observed at the icv dose of 50 micrograms per rat of N-methyl AP3, but significant facilitation of consolidation and retrieval processes appeared at the higher dose of 100 micrograms per rat. Significant improvement of performance in a passive avoidance situation persisted in all experiments to the highest used dose of both compounds, 250 micrograms.