PURPOSE: Most cancer patients treated with systemic adjuvant chemotherapy endure 
long-lasting side effects including decrease in concentration, forgetfulness and 
slower thinking, which are globally termed "chemobrain." Cotinine, the main 
derivative of nicotine, improved visual and spatial working memory and decreased 
depressive-like behavior in an animal model of chemotherapy-induced cognitive 
impairment.
METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effect of cotinine on weight gain, 
locomotor activity, cognitive abilities and depressive-like behavior in rats 
treated with the chemotherapy mix, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 
5-fluorouracil. Locomotor activity and depressive-like behavior were assessed 
using the rotarod and Porsolt's tests, respectively. Changes in cognitive 
abilities were determined using the novel place recognition test.
RESULTS: Female rats treated with cotinine after chemotherapy, recovered weight 
faster, showed superior cognitive abilities and lower levels of depressive-like 
behavior than chemotherapy, vehicle-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS: This evidence suggests that treatment with cotinine may facilitate 
the recovery and diminish the cognitive consequences of chemotherapy.