Possible mechanism of endosulfan-induced enhancement of memory acquisition and retention in mice.

ABSTRACT

The effects of pre-training and post-training administration of endosulfan on retention of a step-down passive avoidance task was studied in mice. Endosulfan at doses of 1.0 mg/kg(ip) and 2.0 mg/kg(ip) enhanced memory acquisition and retention. This effect of endosulfan was possibly mediated by interaction with cholinergic neurotransmission, as scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, ip) significantly antagonized the memory enhancing effects of endosulfan. Clonidine (0.05 mg/kg, ip) did not have any effect on enhancement of memory produced by endosulfan, thus indicating possibly no role of noradrenergic system.