Dose-related facilitation and inhibition of passive avoidance behavior by the ACTH 4-9 analog (ORG 2766).

The effects of "low" and "high" doses of the ACTH 4-9 analog (ORG 2766) were studied on passive avoidance behavior of rats compared to ACTH 4-10 and [D-Phe7] ACTH 4-10. All peptides increased avoidance latency in a dose-dependent manner. However, "high" doses of ORG 2766 (500 and 1000 ng/rat) inhibited passive avoidance retention. "High" amounts of ACTH 4-10 and [D-Phe7] ACTH 4-10 still facilitated passive avoidance behavior. "High" doses of ORG 2766 like "low" amounts of this peptide delayed extinction of active avoidance behavior. "High" doses of [D-Phe7] ACTH 4-10 like "low" amounts of this peptide facilitated extinction of active avoidance behavior. The substituted analog apparently carries a dual effect on passive avoidance behavior.