Effect of Kangshuai Yizhi Formula I on learning and memory dysfunction induced by scopolamine in mice.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the improvement of Kangshuai Yizhi Formula I ( I, KYF I) on: the learning and memory dysfunction in mice, and on the mechanism of the hippocampal cholinergic system and the nervous system of monoamine which are closely related to learning and memory function.


METHODS
Mice: in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups were given low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF, respectively, by gastrogavage for 35 successive days. Animals in the control group and the model group were treated with distilled water. The acute learning and memory dysfunction model was established by injection of scopolamine from day 31, and Morris water maze was used to assess the behavior performance of scopolamine-induced model mice for five days. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline acetyl transferase (ChaT) and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in hippocampus were measured. The activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in hippocampus and serum was also detected.


RESULTS
(1) Compared with the control group, the: mean escape latency was shortened, and the frequency across the platform and the staying time at the platform area on the 5th day were decreased in the model group by Morris water maze test. The activities of AChE and MAO were increased, and the ChaT activity and monoamine neurotransmitter content were decreased as well. (2) The escape latency for 4 days in the low-, middle-, and high-dose KYF I groups was significantly shortened than that in the model group, with the shortest latency in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The frequency across the platform was significantly increased and the staying time at the platform was significantly prolonged in the middle- and high-dose KYF I groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) As compared with the model group, the activity of ChaT and the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus were significantly increased, and the activities of AchE and MAO were significantly decreased in the hippocampus in the high-dose KYF I group (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
High-dose KYF I can significantly improve the learning and memory dysfunction: induced by scopolamine in mice. Its mechanism may be related to improving the central cholinergic system and regulating the hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters.
Wei
Jia
J
Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Lu
Da-xiang
DX
Qi
Ren-bin
RB
Wang
Hua-dong
HD
Jiang
Xue-hua
XH
D000110:Acetylcholinesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D032429:Alpinia; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011930:Reaction Time; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors
C442779:Alpinia oxyphylla fruit extract; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; C553674:kangshuai yizhi; D012601:Scopolamine; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase; D000110:Acetylcholinesterase