اثرات اسيد فوليك بر يادگيري و حافظه ي اجتنابي غير فعال در رت هاي آلزايمري شده از طريق تزريق داخل بطني استرپتوزوتوسين

Effects of Folic Acid on Passive Avoidance Learning and Memory in Rat Alzheimer Model by Intracerebroventricular Injection of Streptozotocin

Background: Alzheimerʹs disease is one of the most prevalent brain neurodegenerative diseases, in which neurons are destroyed especially in related areas to cognitive activities. One of the factors that play an ef¬fective role in pathogenesis of Alzheimerʹs disease is oxidative stress that is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant system. Co-enzyme Q10, as a very powerful antioxidant, has role in energy pro¬ducing mechanisms inside the cell and in preventing of peroxidation of membrane lipid; and its positive effects on Alzheimerʹs disease has been demonstrated. According to the fact that folic acid is one of the precursors for synthesis of Q10 in the cell, and it has been demonstrated that its blood levels are decreased in Alzheimerʹs disease, this study aimed to evaluate effects of folic acid on passive avoidance learning and memory in rats. Methods: Thirty male wistar rats (300 ± 50 g) were divided in three groups (n = 10): sham, Alzheimer and Alzheimer + folic acid. For Alzheimer induction, streptozotocin was injected intracerebroventricu¬lar (ICV) and after that, rats received folic acid daily (4 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days. To assess learning and memory in rats, the passive avoidance learning test was performed. Findings: Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin impairs severely learning and memory in rats and folic acid can prevent these impairments. Conclusion: Data showed that folic acid is probably helpful in alleviating cognitive impairments in Alzheimerʹs disease. Key words: Alzheimer, Folic acid, Streptozotocin, Learning, Memory.