DAU 6215, a novel 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, selectively antagonizes scopolamine-induced deficit in a passive-avoidance task, but not scopolamine-induced hypermotility in rats

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Abstract
This study examined the effects of DAU 6215, a selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, on either impairment of a passive-avoidance task or hypermotility, both caused by scopolamine in rats. In the first experiment, scopolamine (0·75 mg kg−1, i.p.) disrupted acquisition of a one-trial ‘step through’ passive-avoidance response. Pretreatment with DAU 6215 (1, 10, 30 and 100 μg kg−1, i.p.) antagonized this deficit induced by scopolamine, with a bell-shaped dose-response curve. Scopolamine (0·75 mg kg−1, i.p.) produced a significant increase in locomotor activity which was unaffected by pretreatment with DAU 6215 (10 and 30 μg kg−1, i.p.). The present results further support the suggestion that 5-HT3-receptor antagonists may prevent the memory disturbance caused by a reduction in central cholinergic function in the rat. The inefficacy shown by DAU 6215 on hyperactivity induced by scopolamine appears to rule out the possibility of a pharmacokinetic interference between DAU 6215 and scopolamine.