Data on the effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors on learning and memory processes are not consistent. In the present study, the effects of citalopram, a very potent and completely selective inhibitor of the serotonin reuptake on spatial discrimination in the T-maze and Morris water maze, were assessed in mice and/or rats. Animals received different doses of citalopram (1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle (saline) 30 min before training each day. The results showed no significant effects of citalopram on T-maze discrimination task in mice and rats. However, there was dose-dependent increases in latencies to find the invisible platform and traveled distances in citalopram received groups compared to the control group with the peak effect at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg in Morris task. Therefore, it appears that citalopram can cause learning deficits in complex spatial tasks.

Keywords: Serotonin, Citalopram, Spatial learning

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