Effects of 5HT3 antagonist ondansetron on learning and memory in rats

Objectives: To study the effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron on learning and memory in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were treated with ondansetron in doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally ( i.p.) and were subjected to the following tests: (1) passive avoidance test (PAT), (2) conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and (3) hole-board test. The latency to enter (LTE) in acquisition (AT) and retention trials (RT) was observed. Results: Ondansetron treated rats showed a significant improvement in the retention trials of PAT and CAR. There was also an increase in the exploratory behaviour of the ondansetron treated rats. Conclusion: Ondansetron produced a significant improvement in learning and memory in rats.