Effect of acute injection of norharmane on learning and spatial memory in rats

Abstract

Background: Although endogenous and exogenous β-Carbolines, which have been found in blood and tobacco, have neurotoxic effects, , some of these compounds have been shown to have a stimulating effect on the dopaminergic system and to increase dopamine levels in hippocampus, leading to memory improvement. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of acute injection of norharmane as a benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist on learning and spatial memory in water maze.