This study was undertaken in order to investigate the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in memory processes of rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 50 at the start of the experiment were used. The blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors was carried out by chlorisondamine administrated 7 days after neurosurgery (6.5 µg/3 µl saline) into the right-lateral ventricle through a plastic (silastic) cannula or intraperitonealy (10 mg/kg). Nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) was administrated in chlorisondamine- treated rats. Using conditioned methods of active and passive avoidance, we observed that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been implicated in cognitive functions, having a stimulating role in learning and memory processes.