The possibility of adverse effect of Kv7-channel opener retigabine on memory processes in rats

•Retigabine given at a high single dose transiently aggravates memory in rats.•Impairment of memory was less expressed after low single dose of retigabine.•Retigabine administered repeatedly slowed learning processes.

ObjectiveRetigabine is a novel antiepileptic drug with a unique and complex mechanism of action which allows its use in many diseases associated with impaired neuronal activity. This study sought to examine the impact of retigabine on two types of memory in rats.MethodsAdult male Wistar rats were used to assess the effect of retigabine, administered p.o. as single (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg) or repeated doses, on spatial memory with the Morris water maze test (MWM) and emotional memory, associated with fear, with the passive avoidance test (PA).ResultsRetigabine administered at a high single dose transiently impairs learning processes in rats. In the MWM, these changes were delayed in time and of a lesser degree when retigabine was given at low single dose. Additionally, the drug administered repeatedly for 2 weeks slowed learning processes in the MWM, but this effect occurred only after 1 week of administration in the PA.ConclusionThese findings indicate that retigabine may affect memory and learning processes, especially in the first phase of administration.