Effect of vasopressin analog [d(CH2)1(5),Tyr(Me)2]AVP on learning and memory in rats chronically treated with ethanol

The effect of single 2 micrograms dose of vasopressin (AVP) and analog [d(CH2)1(5),Tyr(Me)2]AVP on processes of retrieval, acquisition and consolidation of conditioned reflexes in rats chronically alcoholized was studied. Long term (9 weeks) ethanol intoxication profoundly impaired learning and memory processes in all tests used. The AVP analog [d(CH2)1(5), Tyr(Me)2]AVP facilitated retrieval of passive avoidance, improved consolidation of active avoidance of rats previously treated with alcohol, but did not affect the acquisition of active avoidance. [d(CH2)1(5), Tyr(Me)2]AVP did not affect the motor and exploratory activity of rats in open field.