Trace administration of vitamin E can retrieve and prevent UV-irradiation- and metal exposure-induced memory deficits in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a lipid-soluble anti-oxidant, prevents the uncontrolled propagation of lipid peroxidation by free radicals. Nevertheless, there is weak or no evidence of a protective effect of previous vitamin E intake on cognitive function in humans. In the present study, we explored the thermosensation model to investigate the possible effects of vitamin E administration on memory behaviors in Caenorhabditis elegans. Administration of 100 and 200microg/mL of vitamin E had no significant effects on the memory for different time intervals, whereas relatively high concentration (400microg/mL) of vitamin E exposure shortened the extinction period of the association paradigm (food at 20 degrees C). Following the UV-irradiation, post-treatment with 200microg/mL of vitamin E not only retrieved the UV-irradiation-induced memory deficits, but also enhanced the memory functions in UV-irradiating animals. Post-treatment with trace vitamin E could also ameliorate the memory deficits in metal (Al or Pb) exposed worms. In addition, pre-treatment with 200microg/mL of vitamin E could effectively prevent the occurrence of memory deficits induced by metal exposure and UV-irradiation. Therefore, the close association may exist between trace dietary vitamin E intake and memory behaviors, and a specific response mechanism may be activated after the administration of vitamin E in stress-exposed animals. Moreover, treatment with 200microg/mL of vitamin E could restore the memory deficits formed in the ncs-1 mutant worms, suggesting that exogenous treatment with trace vitamin E can largely mimic the function of NCS-1 in regulating the memory for thermosensation.
Ye
Huayue
H
Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China.
Ye
Boping
B
Wang
Dayong
D
D000535:Aluminum / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009154:Mutation; D051580:Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000235:genetics; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000494:pharmacology*
D051580:Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D014815:Vitamins; C101464:frequenin calcium sensor proteins; D014810:Vitamin E; D007854:Lead; D000535:Aluminum