Molecular Genetics and Gene Therapy

Biography

Biography: Lin Zhi-Xiu

Abstract

Isorhynchophylline (IRN), an alkaloid isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla, has been reported to improve cognitive impairment induced by beta-amyloid in rats. However, whether IRN could also ameliorate the aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced mouse memory deficits is still not clear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether IRN had potential protective effect against the AlCl₃-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Mice were given a subcutaneous injection of AlCl₃ (50 mg/kg) and orally administered IRN (20 or 40 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks, followed by assessing spatial learning and memory function by the Radial Arm Maze test. The results showed that IRN significantly improved spatial learning and memory function in the AlCl₃-treated mice. In the mechanistic studies, IRN significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissues of the AlCl₃-treated mice. Moreover, IRN (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited/decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity, as well as the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) in the brain tissues of AlCl₃-treated mice. These results indicate that IRN was able to ameliorate cognitive deficits induced by AlCl₃ in mice, and the observed actions may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and the enhancement of the antioxidant status of brain tissue.