Effect of L-Carnitine on memory retention on passive avoidance learning in normal and ovariectomized adult female rats

Background: L-carnitine is of considerable interest because of its capacity to counteract several physiological and pathological phenomena typical of brain aging processes.Materials and method: The present study investigated the effect of L- carnitine on memory retention of passive avoidance learning in normal and ovariectomized rats. We examined the effects of L-carnitine on the learning ability of normal and ovariectomized rats. L-carnitine (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg b.w.) was administered orally to normal and ovariectomized adult female Wistar rats for a period of 30 days. Results:Our results showed that oral administration of L-carnitine increased step-through latency time and decreased time in dark compartment in passive avoidance tasks in rats. Conclusion: It is concluded that L-carnitine increased memory retention in rats. It is suggested that L-carnitine must be considered as an alternative/adjunctive treatment to potentiate memory retention.

Keywords:

L-carnitine , Ovariectomy , Memory , Rat