EFFECT OF ETHANOL ON MEMORY CONSOLIDATION IN MICE - ANTAGONISM BY THE IMIDAZOBENZODIAZEPINE RO-15-4513 AND DECREMENT BY FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT

Three sets of experiments were carried out with CD1 mice tested in a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task. In a first set of experiments the posttraining administration of ethanol (1 or 2 g/kg) impaired, while that of the imidazobenzodiazepine Ro 15-4513 (5 or 10, but not 2.5 mg/kg) improved the retention performance of the animals. In a second set of experiments a by itself ineffective dose of Ro 15-4513 (2.5 mg/kg) antagonized the effect of ethanol (1 and 2 kg/kg). These results are discussed on the basis of the interaction of these drugs with the GABAergic system. In a third set of experiments, in which the performances of mice familiarized with the apparatus were compared with those of non-familiarized mice, ethanol was less effective in impairing memory processes of the experienced subjects. These results are discussed in terms of attenuation of emotionality, resulting in impaired retention, following posttraining ethanol administration. © 1990.