Effects on locomotion and memory in 2 models of cerebral hypoperfusion in male Wistar rats.
BACKGROUND
Cerebral ischaemia is one of the most common neurological diseases worldwide. Its many sequelae range from motor and sensory symptoms to cognitive decline and dementia. Animal models of cerebral ischaemia/hypoperfusion elicit effects on long term memory; however, the effects of these procedures on short term memory are not clearly understood and effects induced by alternative hypoperfusion models are completely unknown.


METHODS
We evaluated the effects of 2 cerebral hyperperfusion models on memory in 3-month-old male rats. Episodic memory and working memory were assessed using the new object recognition test and the spontaneous alteration test, respectively. Neurological assessment was also performed, along with an open field test to evaluate locomotor activity.


RESULTS
Rats in both hyperperfusion models displayed no cognitive changes. Rats with unilateral left-sided ligation plus temporary ligation of the right carotid tended to show slightly impaired performance on the new object recognition test on the second day after the procedure. In contrast, the group with permanent unilateral ligation tended to display alterations in working and episodic memory 9 days after the procedure, but they subsequently recovered.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite these differences, both hypoperfusion groups displayed clear signs of motor impairment 2 days after the procedure, as reflected by their decreased locomotor activity during the open field test.
Cuerpo Académico de Neuroquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
J A
JA
Martínez-Díaz
Cuerpo Académico de Neuroquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
L I
LI
García
Cuerpo Académico de Neuroquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
M E
ME
Hernández
Cuerpo Académico de Neuroquímica, Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México. Electronic address: garanda@uv.mx.
G E
GE
Aranda-Abreu
D000818:Animals; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
Carotid ligation; Ictus; Ligadura carótida; Memoria; Memory; Stroke