Effects of some psychotropic agents on cognitive functions in rats

The effects of some psychotropic agents were evaluated on cognitive function in rats. Acute administration of antipsychotic agents chlorpromazine, haloperidol or pimozide-all inhibited the active avoidance response as elicited by pole climbing test-the least effect being seen with pimozide. The antianxiety benzodiazepines, lorazepam and alprazolam, also attenuated active avoidance learning with the latter showing lesser effects. Maze task performance was differentially affected by these psychotropic drugs with maze traversing time being increased significantly after all drug treatment, except alprazolam.