Effects of piracetam, dihydroergotoxine and arecoline on the passive avoidance acquisition in the nucleus basalis lesioned rats

A major cholinergic projection to the neocortex originates from the cell bodies in the nucleus basalis of Maynert (NBM). Because the cholinergic system has a specific relationship to cognitive functions and lesions of NBM reduce memory, it was of interest to study the effect of piracetam (2 g/kg i.p.), dihydroergotoxine (DHE- 0.1 mg/kg i.p.) and arecoline (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) on the passive avoidance acquisition in the rat with NBM lesion. Bilateral NBM electrolytic lesion significantly impaired the passive avoidance acquisition related to the control group and sham lesioned rats. The avoidance acquisition deficit was improved by arecoline while piracetam or DHE didn't influence it statistically.