Effect of angiotensin II and vasopressin on acquisition and extinction of conditioned avoidance in rats.

The effect of angiotensin II on the acquisition and extinction of a conditioned avoidance response was examined in rats. Angiotensin II, 1 and 2 micrograms, given intracerebroventricularly facilitated acquisition of the conditioned avoidance response but did not influence extinction. [Sar1, Ile8]-angiotensin II (1 microgram), a specific antagonist of angiotensin II receptors, unexpectedly produced an effect quite similar to that of angiotensin II. Vasopressin (1 microgram) did not influence the rate of acquisition of the conditioned avoidance response but it markedly delayed its extinction. The data are discussed in terms of learning and memory facilitating properties of angiotensin II. This action seems to be independent of an interaction of angiotensin II with its known receptors or of release of vasopressin caused by the peptide.