Adenosine and memory storage

Rationale: Caffeine is a non-selective A1/A2 adenosine receptor antagonist which is known to improve cognitive performance in humans. This effect of caffeine has been attributed to its antagonism of adenosine receptors. Objective: The present study was devised to identify the role of A1 and A2A adenosine receptors in the facilitation of memory consolidation in mice performing a passive avoidance task. Methods: Adult albino Swiss male mice were used. The mice were trained in a step-through inhibitory avoidance task in which they were punished by a foot-shock (0.4 mA, 5 Hz, for 3 s) delivered through the grid floor. Caffeine (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg), SCH 58261 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 mg/k…