Neuropeptide FF (FLQPQRFamide) and IgG from neuropeptide FF antiserum affect spatial learning in mice

There is evidence indicating that the mammalian octapeptide FLQPQRFamide (F8Fa or neuropeptide FF, NPFF) is an endogenous modulator ('anti-opioid') of opioid systems. There is also substantial evidence implicating opioid systems in the mediation of spatial learning and memory. In the present study determinations were made of the effects of NPFF and IgG from antiserum against NPFF on the spatial performance of male mice in a water maze task, whereby over one day in six blocks of four trials the animals had to acquire the location of a submerged hidden platform using distal visual cues. Pretraining intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPFF-IgG, impaired spatial acquisition and retention, while i.c.v. administration of 1.0 microgram of NPFF marginally improved, and 10 micrograms of NPFF significantly reduced spatial acquisition. These results suggest that NPFF may have a modulatory influence on spatial acquisition.