Title: Effects of proanthocyanidins on learning and memory ability and nNOS expression at hippocampus in model rats of Alzheimer's disease
Abstract: Objective: To explore the effects of proanthocyanidins( PC) on the learning and memory ability and neuronal nitric oxide synthase( nNOS) expression at hippocampus in model rats of Alzheimer's disease( AD). Methods: Blank controls( n =15) were developed by either intraperitoneal or intragastric administration of normal saline( NS ip,NS ig), and the rest were induced by intraperitoneal injection D-galactose( D-gal) in a dose of 180 mg /( kg·d) combined with intragastric administration aluminum trichloride( AlCl 3) in a dose of 15 mg/( kg·d). After 12 weeks,Morris water maze was used to determine the successful model rats that were subsequently randomized into AD model group( NS ip,D-gal ip + AlCl 3 ig),group of proanthocyanidins in high dosage( PC 40 mg / kg; Dgal ip + AlCl 3 ig) and low dosage( PC 10 mg / kg; D-gal ip + AlCl 3 ig) as well as vitamin E positive control group( VitE 10 mg / kg; D-gal ip + AlCl 3 ig)( n = 15 for each group). After consecutive 8 weeks of the drug administration,Morris water maze was again used to test the learning and memory ability of rats. The change of rat hippocampal neurons was detected with Nissl staining,and the NO levels were examined in hippocampal homogenate. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of nNOS at hippocampal neurons. Results: As compared with the normal control group,significantly decreased learning and memory ability,delayed escape latency and reduced frequencies of crossing the platform were observed in AD model rats( P 0. 01). Although the Nissl body in hippocampal neurons was decreased significantly,the content of NO in hippocampal homogenate and nNOS expression were significantly increased( P 0. 01). Administration of proanthocyanidins had significantly improved the learning and memory function and reduced the NO content and nNOS expression in hippocampus in AD rats. Conclusion: Proanthocyanidins functions a lot in improving the learning and memory ability of AD rats, and the potential mechanisms of this agent may be associated with the decreased nNOS expression and NO content in hippocampus.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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