Modafinil and Learning and Memory- Is there a Connection? Evaluation of the Effect of Modafinil on Learning and Memory in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Modafinil, a drug approved for use in narcolepsy, has shown conflicting effects on cognition. This study was conducted to observe the effects of Modafinil on learning and memory following acute and chronic administration in Wistar rats. Aim and Objectives: To observe the effects of Modafinil on learning and memory following acute and chronic administration. Material and Methods: The study conducted in 42 male Wistar rats, had seven groups: Group I: Control, Group II: Negative Control (Vehicle), Group III: Standard Control (Donepezil), Group IV: Chronic Modafinil 10 mg/kg, Group V: Chronic Modafinil 20 mg/kg, Group VI: Acute Modafinil 10 mg/kg, Group VII: Acute Modafinil 10 mg/kg. All drugs were administered for 15 days. Scopolamine was used to induce amnesia on the 15th day in all groups except Group I. Using the Hebb- William maze, baseline learning score was recorded on day 1, and post-treatment learning scores were recorded on days 15 and 16. Results: On days 15 and 16, the learning scores significantly decreased in Group I, while it significantly increased in group II, compared to baseline, indicating induction of amnesia by scopolamine. In Group III the learning scores on days 15 and 16 (8.66 ± 2.63, 9.66 ± 2.75, in seconds) were decreased significantly compared to baseline (18.83 ± 2.65), indicating a reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia. All doses of Modafinil (Acute 10 mg and 20 mg/kg, Chronic 10 mg and 20 mg/kg) showed a statistically significant increase in learning scores on days 15 and 16, compared to baseline, indicating no reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia. Conclusion: Modafinil in doses of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, given either as a single dose or over a period of time, does not reverse amnesia induced by scopolamine in rats.

Keywords

• amnesia
• modafinil
• cognition
• scopolamine