Comparative activity of memory-modulating neuropeptides before and after electric shock in white rats.

Neuropeptides are shown to exert a powerful influence on mnestic processes. They actively eliminate phenomena of electric-shock amnesia, the strongest agent here being arginine vasopressin, while derivatives of oxytocin, enkephalin, and melanostatin are active to a lesser degree. The selective effect on primary learning (ACTH4-7 and Leu-enkephalin) and on the consolidation and restoration of memory (vasopressin and oxytocin), and the presence of only antiamnestic properties (analog of the melanocyte-inhibiting factor) - all this suggests different mechanisms of action of these agents. Memory modulators act more strongly upon activated systems that are already prepared to receive the signal. A promising object for future study as a therapeutic antiamnestic factor is the long-term memory modulator arginine vasopressin.