RESUMO
The effects of four nootropic drugs (piracetam, aniracetam, meclofenoxate and fipexide) on cognitive functions impaired by the antihypertensive drug clonidine were investigated in albino rats. The changes in learning and memory were studied by two-way active avoidance with punishment reinforcement (shuttle box). Clonidine injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg immediately after a one-day shuttle box training significantly impaired retention. A 5-day treatment before the training session with piracetam 600 mg/kg, aniracetam 50 mg/kg, meclofenoxate 100 mg/kg and fipexide 10 mg/kg completely abolished the memory-impairing effect of clonidine. The role of the NAergic neurotransmitter system in the clonidine-induced disturbances of cognition, as well as in the protective effects of nootropic drugs, was discussed.
