Effect of α-asarone on ethanol-induced learning and memory impairment in mice and its underlying mechanism

Publication date: Available online 11 October 2019Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Qinqing Li, Feifei Xu, Qi Zhang, Xiaoqing Li, Meitong Guo, Yiming Zhang, Zilin Wang, Jie Wang, Jiaqi Zhao, Yajuan Tian, Zhao Zhang, Shifeng Chu, Wenbin HeAbstractAimsLearning and memory impairment is a common symptom in the early stages of various types of dementia. It is likely to reduce the incidence of dementia with correct intervention. α-Asarone is the main bioactive substance isolated from Acorus tatarinowii Schott and has been proven to improve memory dysfunction; however, at present, the specific underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of α-asarone on ethanol-impaired cognitive ability and explore the underlying mechanism in mice.Main methodsA mouse model of impaired learning and memory was created by ethanol (2.0 g/kg, i.g.). α-Asarone (7.5, 15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.) was delivered 10 min prior to ethanol administration. The behavioral effect of α-asarone was evaluated using the novel object recognition test. Glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus were determined by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of hippocampal GluR2, NMDAR2B, SYNΙ, GLT-1 and CaMKⅡ were detected by western blotting.Key findingsPretreatment with α-asarone significantly improved the behavioral performance, regulated the imbalance of Glu and GABA in the hippocampus and the abnormal expression of related prote...
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research