[The effects of ZMS on learning and memory ability and brain choline acetyltransferase in scopolamine-induced mouse model].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of ZMS on learning and memory ability and on brain choline acetyltransferase activity.


METHODS
A single intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine was used to establish a dementia mouse model. The learning and memory ability was detected by step-through and sted-down tests. And the choline acetyltransferase activity in brain was determined by 3H-acetyl-CoA incorporation analysis.


RESULTS
ZMS could significantly reduce wrongness frequences, prolong incubation period of scopolamine-induced dementia mice in step-through and step-down tests (P < 0.01). ZMS could also significantly improve the activity of brain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
ZMS could improve the learning and memory ability and the activity of brain ChAT in scopolamine-induced dementia mice. However, ZMS had no significant dose-response effect on improving the activity of brain ChAT, and the effect of Tacrine was similar to that of ZMS, it seemed unlikely that ZMS had a direct action on the ChAT. More probably, ZMS exerted its effect on ChAT activity and on learning and memory ability via elevating brain M receptor density.
Chen
Q
Q
Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200025.
Hu
Y
Y
Xia
Z
Z
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology*; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003704:Dementia / Q000139:chemically induced; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D019668:Liliaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012503:Saponins; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase