Repeated administration of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induces kindling and impairs shuttle-box learning. The available literature suggesting a close connection between seizure frequency and mental deficits in human epileptics allows us to hypothesize that seizure inhibition prevents the progressive mental retardation associated with kindling. In order to investigate the effect of motor seizure inhibition on mental impairment we administered diazepam (DZP) doses of 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively 60 min prior to the 10 convulsant injections. After completion of kindling the learning performance of the rats was tested in the shuttle-box. PTZ kindling resulted in diminished shuttle-box learning. In control rats treated with DZP no significant changes in their learning ability occurred. Although DZP was found to suppress kindling development effectively a worsened shuttle-box learning could be observed in all PTZ groups treated with DZP.