AG-4:A NICOTINIC AGONIST ENDOWED WITH ANTIAMNESIC PROPERTIES

The effect of the nicotinic agonist AG-4 on memory processes was evaluated in the mouse passive avoidance test. AG-4 (100 mg per mouse icv) prevented amnesia induced by scopolamine (1.5 mg kg–1 ip), mecamylamine (20 mg kg–1 ip), and dihydro-b-erythroidine (10 mg per mouse icv). In the same experimental conditions, AG-4 (100 mg per mouse icv) also prevented baclofen (2 mg kg–1 ip), clonidine (0.125 mg kg–1 ip), and diphenhydramine (20 mg kg–1 ip) amnesia in mice. AG-4 exerted an antiamnesic effect comparable to that produced by nicotine (2 mg kg–1 ip), physostigmine (0.2 mg kg–1 ip), and the nootropic drug piracetam (30 mg kg–1 ip). At the active dose, AG-4 did not impair mice motor coordination and spontaneous motility as revealed, respectively, by Rota-rod test and Animex apparatus. Present results evidence the antiamnesic activity of the nicotinic agonist AG-4 suggesting a potential employment of this compound in the symptomatic treatment of cognitive impairments.