scholarly journals Vestibular stimulation induced alteration in glutamate levels improves memory and anxiety scores in scopolamine induced dementia rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL2) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
Jinu K V ◽  
Archana R ◽  
Mukkadan J K

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter which is essential for cognition but, at the same time, a neurotoxin if accumulated beyond a certain level. The derangement of glutamate level in brain is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Vestibular stimulation is known to stabilize various neuro-chemical transmission in central nervous system, especially effective in enhancing acetyl choline level and reduction of acetyl cholinesterase level. So the current study has undertaken to evaluate glutamate level in dementia and vestibular stimulation groups and its role in improving memory and anxiety scores.  In the present study, 32 Wistar rats were used. Scopolamine was used to induce dementia and caloric stimulation (bilateral, unilateral right and unilateral left) was used stimulate vestibular system. Behavioral parameters like water maze used to asses memory and elevated plus maze was used to assess anxiety in our study. Glutamate was quantified by spectroflurimetry and histopathology of hippocampus and cortex were assessed. Caloric vestibular stimulation effectively reduced glutamate level near to normal values and this result reflected in increased memory scores in water maze and increased exploratory activities in elevated plus maze. Especially unilateral left vestibular stimulation has found beneficial in reducing glutamate level. All these positive outcomes have proven that vestibular stimulation can increase memory and anxiety scores in dementia and thereby can be used as an alternative therapy in this field. Further animal studies and human studies are needed to dig deep into the molecular mechanisms behind its actions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
George L. da Silva Oliveira ◽  
José C. Correia L. da Silva ◽  
Ana P. dos Santos C. L da Silva ◽  
Chistiane M. Feitosa ◽  
Fernanda R. de Castro Almeida

Background: Central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, depression and epilepsy are characterized by sharing several molecular mechanisms in common and the involvement of the L-arginine/NO pathway in neurobehavioral studies with β-caryophyllene is still little discussed. Objectives: One of the objectives of the present study was to demonstrate the anxiolytic behavioral effect of β-caryophyllene (β-CBP) in female Swiss mice, as well as to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the results obtained. Methods: This study evaluated the neurobehavioral effects of β-CBP using the open field test, rota-rod test, elevated plus maze test, novelty suppressed feeding test, tail suspension test and forced swim test, as well as pilocarpine, pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid-induced epileptic seizure models. Results:: The results demonstrated that the neuropharmacological activities of β-CBP may involve benzodiazepine/GABAergic receptors, since the pre-treatment of β-CBP (200 mg/kg) associated with flumazenil (5 mg/kg, benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) and bicuculline (1 mg/kg, selective GABAA receptor antagonist) reestablished the anxiety parameters in the elevated plus-maze test, as well as the results of reduced latency to consume food in the novelty suppressed feeding test. In addition to benzodiazepine/GABAergic receptors, the neuropharmacological properties of β-CBP may be related to inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis, since pre-treatment with L-arginine (500- 750 mg/kg) reversed significantly the anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant activities of β-CBP. Conclusion: The results obtained provide additional support in understanding the neuromolecular mechanisms underlying the anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsive properties of β-CBP in female Swiss mice.


Author(s):  
Suwathi Ravichandar ◽  
K.A.S. Mohammed Shafeeq ◽  
S. Karpagam Kumara Sundari ◽  
R. Senthamarai

In traditional system of medicine, various parts of Delonix regia have been used for many ailments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the memory enhancing activity of Ethanolic Extract of Delonix regia leaves (EEDRL) against scopolamine induced amnesia by using Elevated Plus Maze, Y Maze and Morris Water Maze Models. Ethanolic Extract of Delonix regia was prepared then subjected to phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, phenols and saponins. Acute oral toxicity was performed as per OECD guidelines 423. Based on this, two dose levels of EEDRL were chosen as 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for pharmacological screening. Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups of six animals each. EEDRL at a dose levels 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg showed increase in inflexion ratio in Elevated Plus Maze, increase in Percentage alterations in Y Maze & decrease in Escape latency in Morris Water Maze Model compared to disease control in dose dependent manner which indicates that the EEDRL reverses the scopolamine induced amnesia in mice. The memory enhancing activity in mice might be due to facilitation of cholinergic transmission. Hence it can be concluded that Delonix regia appears to be a promising candidate for improving memory, and it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of this plant in the management of Alzheimer patient.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Yuan ◽  
Zhigang Liu ◽  
Xuebo Liu

Abstract Objectives Sesamol, an antioxidant lignan from sesame oil, possesses lipid lowering and neuroprotective bioactivities. Considering the distribution of sesamol in gut is much higher than brain after administration, the present work was aimed to elucidate the systemic protective effects of sesamol on dietary-induced cognitive deficits, and to determine the possible link between gut and brain. Methods Both wildtype and ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with sesamol (0.05%, w/v) in drinking water for 10 weeks. The cognitive and anxiety behavioral assessment were evaluated by Morris-water maze, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze tests. The synapse ultrastructure was also detected by transmission electron microscope. Moreover, the alteration of gut microbiome and microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were also determined by 16S rDNA sequencing and GC, respectively. Results Sesamol prevented HFD-induced bodyweight gain, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. However, the behavioral tests including Morris-water maze, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze tests indicated that sesamol could only improve cognitive deficits and anxiety behaviors in wildtype but not ApoE deficient mice. Consistently, sesamol improved synapse ultrastructure and inhibited brain Aβ accumulation in brain in an ApoE-dependent manner. Moreover, sesamol prevented HFD-induced gut barrier damages and systemic inflammation. Sesamol also re-shaped gut microbiome and consequently improved the generation of microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Conclusions To summarized, this study revealed that the possible mechanism of neuroprotective effects of sesamol might be ApoE-dependent, and the beneficial effects of sesamol on gut microbiota/metabolites could be translated into metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases treatment. Funding Sources This work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Humna Malik ◽  
Sana Javaid ◽  
Muhammad Fawad Rasool ◽  
Noreen Samad ◽  
Syed Rizwan Ahamad ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Ficus benghalensis (FB) is a commonly found tree in Pakistan and its various parts have folkloric importance in managing neurological ailments. In the present study, methanolic extract of its bark has been tested on an experimental animal model to evaluate memory-enhancing, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities to validate the claimed therapeutic potential. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of freshly isolated bark was prepared and subjected to preliminary phytochemical studies and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis for the presence of phytocomponents. To evaluate its effect on spatial learning, passive-avoidance test–step through (PAT-ST), Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were carried out. Open-field (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were employed to explore the anti-anxiety potential of FB while a forced swimming test (FST) was utilized to assess its anti-depressant prospective. FB doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg with positive and negative controls given to Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Results: phytochemical studies showed the presence of various phytoconstituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolics and anthraquinones. The presence of synephrine, aspargine, glucose, fructose and fatty acids was revealed by GC–MS analysis. FB administration led to significant improved memory retention when evaluated through passive avoidance (p < 0.05), Y-maze (p < 0.05) and Morris water maze (p < 0.05) tests in a scopolamine model of amnesic rats. When tested by open field and elevated plus maze tests, FB demonstrated anxiety-resolving characteristics (p < 0.05) as animals dared to stay in open areas more than a control group. Mobility time was increased and immobility time was reduced (p < 0.05–0.01) in rats treated with FB, unveiling the anti-depressant importance of F. benghalensis. Conclusion: methanolic extract of F. benghalensis bark furnished scientific proof behind folkloric claims of the memory improving, anxiety-reducing and depression-resolving characteristics of the plant. These activities might be possible due to interaction of its phytoconstituents with serotonergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic and GABAergic systems in the brain.


2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (3) ◽  
pp. R803-R810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Min Lo ◽  
Linda C. Samuelson ◽  
James Brad Chambers ◽  
Alexandra King ◽  
Justin Heiman ◽  
...  

CCK acts peripherally as a satiating peptide released during meals in response to lipid feeding and centrally functions in the modulation of feeding, exploratory, and memory activities. The present study determined metabolic parameters, food intake, anxiety-like behaviors, and cognitive function in mice lacking the CCK gene. We studied intestinal fat absorption, body composition, and food intake of CCK knockout (CCK-KO) mice by using the noninvasive measurement of intestinal fat absorption along with quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) imaging and the DietMax system, respectively. Additionally, exploratory and memory capacities were assessed by monitoring running wheel activity and conducting elevated plus-maze and Morris water-maze tests with these mice. Compared with wild-type (WT) littermate controls, CCK-KO mice had normal food intake, fat absorption, body weight, and body mass. CCK-KO mice ate more food than control animals during the light period and less food during the dark period. Energy expenditure was unchanged between the genotypes; however, CCK-KO mice displayed greater fatty acid oxidation. CCK-KO mice were as active as WT animals in the running wheel test. CCK-KO mice spent more time in the closed arms of an elevated plus-maze, indicative of increased anxiety. Additionally, CCK-KO mice exhibited attenuated performance in a passive avoidance task and impaired spatial memory in the Morris water maze test. We conclude that CCK is involved in metabolic rate and is important for memory and exploration. CCK is intimately involved in multiple processes related to cognitive function and food intake regulation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-335
Author(s):  
Hayriye SOYTURK ◽  
Bihter Gökçe BOZAT ◽  
Hamit COŞKUN ◽  
Fatma PEHLİVAN KARAKAŞ

Leptin is released by adipose tissue. Leptin can cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to receptors on neurons in brain areas to exert its biological function when released into circulation. This study aimed to determine the influences of intra-amygdalar administration of high and low doses of leptin on anxiety, depression, learning behaviors of rats. In the experimental protocol I, intra-amygdalar injection of high and low doses of leptin (0.1 and 1 μg/ kg) and saline were administered 30 min before the behavioral tests. Then, the animals were exposed to open field, elevated plus maze, Porsolt and Morris water maze tests for measuring of behaviors. In experimental protocol 2, the cerebrospinal fluids of all groups of experimental protocol 1 were collected by microdialysis method and then were analyzed by HPLC. The effect of the low dose of leptin was significant on the open field. The effect of the high and low dose of leptin was significant on the elevated plus maze test. The effect of the low dose of leptin was significant on mobility in the center of the Porsolt. A high dose of leptin group had spent less time around the platform than controls in the Morris water maze test. HPLC analysis showed that the amount of serotonin and glutamate in the amygdala region increased after low dose leptin administration. Intra-amygdalar injection of low doses of leptin may decrease anxiety and depression-like behavior in rats by increasing serotonin and glutamate levels in the amygdala.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
A.J. Gall ◽  
G.D. Griffin

Prebiotics are nondigestible food agents that stimulate the growth of bacteria in the gut, whereas probiotics are live microorganisms that replace or restore beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Both agents have been shown to have beneficial qualities within the microbiota-gut-brain axis, but the behavioural effects of prebiotics have been less studied than probiotics. Whereas several studies have shown that prebiotics reduce inflammation and modulate anxiety in animals that are injected with lipopolysacccharides or chronically stressed animals, respectively, it is not yet known how they affect a healthy organism. Here, we tested the behavioural effects of galacto-oligosaccharides and beta glucan as a commercially available prebiotic blend in healthy, naïve Sprague-Dawley rats. We used the open field test and elevated plus maze to assess anxiety-like behaviour in controls and in rats that ingested the prebiotic blend in their drinking water. We also used the Morris Water Maze to assess spatial memory performance in controls and prebiotic treated rats. Rats treated with prebiotics spent more time in the intermediate zone of the open field test and in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, and exhibited a shorter latency to enter each of these zones. No significant differences between groups were found in the Morris Water Maze. Our results suggest that whereas prebiotics significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviours, it had no effect on spatial memory performance. Altogether, our data indicate that commercially available prebiotic beta glucan blends have anxiolytic effects in healthy rats.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Dhingra ◽  
Varun Kumar

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of palmatine on memory of Swiss young male albino mice. Palmatine (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/kg,i.p.) and physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg,i.p.) per se were administered for 10 successive days to separate groups of mice. Effect of drugs on learning and memory of mice was evaluated using elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was also estimated. Effect of palmatine on scopolamine- and diazepam-induced amnesia was also investigated. Palmatine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) and physostigmine significantly improved learning and memory of mice, as indicated by decrease in transfer latency using elevated plus maze, and decrease in escape latency during training and increase in time spent in target quadrant during retrieval using Morris water maze. The drugs did not show any significant effect on locomotor activity of the mice. Memory-enhancing activity of palmatine (1 mg/kg) was comparable to physostigmine. Palmatine (1 mg/kg) significantly reversed scopolamine- and diazepam-induced amnesia in mice. Palmatine and physostigmine also significantly reduced brain acetylcholinesterase activity of mice. Thus, palmatine showed memory-enhancing activity in mice probably by inhibiting brain acetylcholinesterase activity, through involvement of GABA-benzodiazepine pathway, and due to its antioxidant activity.


Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (07) ◽  
pp. 425-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitin Bansal ◽  
Pushplata Yadav ◽  
Manish Kumar

AbstractRampant production of pro-oxidants and inadequate antioxidant availability in brain exert oxidative stress, which in synergism with impaired glucose metabolism and inflammation leads to neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. Ellagic acid (EGA) is a phenolic compound present in various fruits and is reported to possess robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study investigated the effect of EGA administration on streptozotocin (STZ) induced dementia in rats. Bilateral intracerebroventricle (ICV) injection of STZ (3 mg/kg) was given to Wistar rats (200 g) on day 1 and 3. EGA (17.5 and 35 mg/kg) was administered orally to rats for 28 days daily. The spatial memory of rats was quantified by using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. Brain TBARS, GSH and TNF-α were also measured. Administration of EGA prevented the induction of STZ-ICV triggered cognitive deficits as evident by a significant (p<0.05) reduction in mean escape latency during acquisition trial and increased (p<0.05) time spent in target quadrant during retrieval trial in Morris water maze test, and reduction (p<0.05) in transfer latency in elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, both the doses of EGA attenuated STZ-ICV induced rise in brain TBARS as well as TNF-α and simultaneously enhanced the GSH content. Thus, EGA ameliorated STZ-induced dementia by probably restoring the balance between cellular pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants in brain of rats.


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