[Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on learning, memory and cholinergic system in D-galactose-lesioned mice]

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2003 Oct;25(5):553-6.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of tetramethylpyrazine on learning, memory, and cholinergic system in D-galactose-lesioned mice.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice were given subcutaneous injection of 2% D-galactose for 40 days (100 mg.kg-1.d-1). Normal saline, tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and Huperzine A (HupA) were given respectively by intragastric administration in different study groups from the third week on. Learning and memory ability were tested by Morris water maze for 5 days at the sixth week. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, the binding sites (Bmax) and the affinity (KD) of M-cholinergic receptor were determined.

Results: The learning and memory dysfunction, with lowered AchE activity and M-cholinergic receptor binding sites were found in the model group as compared with the normal control group. The tetramethylpyrazine, especially at the dose of 100 mg.kg-1.d-1, could markedly attenuate cognitive dysfunction, while elevate the lowered AchE activity (P < 0.05) and M-cholinergic receptor binding sites (P < 0.005) in the cerebral cortex of mice treated with D-galactose.

Conclusions: The tetramethylpyrazine can significantly improve central cholinergic system function, and thus enhance the learning and memory ability in D-galactose-lesioned mice.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Galactose
  • Learning / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Pyrazines / pharmacology*
  • Receptor, Muscarinic M1 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / physiology

Substances

  • Pyrazines
  • Receptor, Muscarinic M1
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • tetramethylpyrazine
  • Galactose