The present study investigated the effects of the putative adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist BIIP 20 ((S)-(-)-8-(3-oxocyclopentyl)-1,3-dipropyl-7H-purine-2,6-dione) on counteracting scopolamine-induced behavioral deficits in the rat in the passive avoidance paradigm. A single oral application of BIIP 20 (1 and 3 mg/kg) 90 min before the rats received the noxious stimulus significantly attenuated the scopolamine-induced deficits observed during the retention trial of this task.