[A comparative study of the role of ACTH and beta-endorphin in regulating the conditioned-reflex activity of...

The ACTH was shown to facilitate learning and to enhance the memory processes in hedgehogs. Administration of beta-endorphin enhanced the latency of conditioning, exert an analgetic effect, reduced the motor and intersignal activities, as well as eliminated the inhibitory effects of the limbic cortex stimulation. Different influences of the ACTH and beta-endorphin upon the higher nervous activity as well as possible mechanisms of these effects, are discussed.