Sildenafil improves acquisition and retention of memory in mice.

Abstract

Sildenafil (Viagra) has been introduced recently in market to correct male impotency and has gained immense popularity for its dramatic effects all over the world. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of sildenafil on learning and memory in mice using elevated plus maze. A total of XV groups of animals were employed in the present study. Central cholinergic pathways play a crucial role in learning and memory processes. Physostigmine, an anticholinesterase agent (0.5 mg, 1.0 mg kg(-1), i.p) was employed for its memory enhancing property and alprazolam a benzodiazepine receptor agonist served as a memory-impairing agent. In the present study, alprazolam produced anterograde amnesia (at 0.5 mg kg(-1), i.p) and retrograde amnesia (at 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg kg(-1), i.p.) in separate groups of animals. Caffeine at 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg kg(-1), i.p. (an established psychostimulant) did not show any significant change in learning and memory of mice. Sildenafil (at 8 mg kg(-1), i.p.) administered 30 minutes prior to training on first day produced a marginal decrease in transfer latency time on first day; whereas, sildenafil (at 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg kg(-1), i.p.) administered immediately after training on first day produced a dose-dependent improvement of memory in mice. However, further studies need to be carried out to elucidate the underlying mechanism of sildenafil as a memory enhancer.

• Authors: Nirmal Singh, Milind Parle
• Journal: Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology (Indian J Physiol Pharmacol) Vol. 47 Issue 3 Pg. 318-24 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0019-5499 [Print] India
• PMID: 14723318 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• GABA Modulators
• GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
• Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
• Piperazines
• Purines
• Sulfones
• Caffeine
• Physostigmine
• Sildenafil Citrate
• Alprazolam

Topics

• Alprazolam (pharmacology)
• Amnesia (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Animals
• Caffeine (pharmacology)
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• GABA Modulators (pharmacology)
• GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
• Learning (drug effects)
• Male
• Maze Learning (drug effects)
• Memory (drug effects)
• Mice
• Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Physostigmine (pharmacology)
• Piperazines (pharmacology)
• Purines
• Sildenafil Citrate
• Sulfones
• Transfer, Psychology (drug effects)