The role of neurotensin in passive avoidance learning in the rat central nucleus of amygdala.

Tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) acts as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator and plays a role in learning and reinforcement. The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA), which is relatively rich in NT and neurotensin-1 receptors (NTS1), participates in the regulation of memory and learning mechanisms. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effect of NT and NTS1 antagonist (ANT) on passive avoidance learning after their microinjection into the CeA of male wistar rats. NT significantly increased the latency time. Effect of NT was blocked by ANT pretreatment. ANT in itself had no effect. Our results show that in the rat CeA NT facilitates passive avoidance learning via NTS1.