Biochemical and behavioral effects of magnesium pemoline

Magnesium pemoline decreased training response latency in a shock avoidance situation, of male, but not female rats. The groups did not differ on a 24-hour retention test. The drug had no discernible effect on orotic acid incorporation into brain or liver RNA or upon RNA content. Liver RNA was slightly increased, probably because of stimulated drug metabolism. Magnesium pemoline did not augment hormonal stimulation of nuclear RNA synthesis and, therefore, does not generally stimulate RNA synthesis. The behavioral effects of magnesium pemoline are probably not related to RNA metabolism.