Neurotoxic effects of copper ions after intraperitoneal (ip) and intracere-broventricular (icv) injections of CuSO₄·5H₂O and Cu(CH₃COO)₂· H₂O at the range of doses 1-100 nmols icv and 0,1-100 mmols/kg ip was determined in rats using two behavioural methods: exploratory and locomotor activity in an open field test and spatial memory in a water maze test. It has been found that higher doses of copper salts (100nmols icv and 100 mmols/kg ip) significantly de-creased spatial memory of rats.