Aripiprazole ameliorates scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice

Aripiprazole, a known third generation anti-psychotic drug. The drug has shown to have lesser side effects on extrapyramidal system and enhance memory when compared with the first-generation anti-psychotic drugs. However, studies on the impact of aripiprazole on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice have been poorly reported. This study was designed to investigate the impact of aripiprazole on scopolamine-induced amnesia in mice. Thirtysix (36) mice weighing between 20-23g were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 was given 10 ml/kg distilled water. Group 2 received 3 mg/kg scopolamine alone. Group 3 was given 1 mg/kg donepezil. Group 4 received 0.5 mg/kg aripiprazole. Group 5 was given 0.3 mg/kg aripiprazole. Group 6 received 0.1mg/kg aripiprazole. Thirty minutes after administration of either aripiprazole or donepezil, scopolamine (3 mg/kg) was administered, intraperitoneally. The administration was for 7days, during which their memory was assessed using Morris water maze and Y-maze models. The results showed that the anti-amnesic effect of aripiprazole appeared to be dosedependent; the animals administered with 0.5 mg/kg aripiprazole showed the greatest improved memory performance against scopolamine-induced amnesia. The hippocampal and prefrontal cortex tissues displayed anti-amnesic potential of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole seems to improved memory performance against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.