Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
AR-SA
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Background: Ascorbic
acid improves cognitive impairments in several experimental models. Diabetes
causes learning and memory deficits. In this study we hypothesized that chronic
treatment with ascorbic acid (100mg/kg, p.o) would affect on the passive avoidance
learning (PAL) and memory in control and streptozocin-induced
diabetic rats.
Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of STZ (60mg/kg). The
rats were considered diabetic if plasma glucose levels exceeded 250mg/dl on three
days after STZ injection. Treatment was begun at the onset of
hyperglycemia. PAL was assessed 30 days later. Retention test was done 24 h after
training. At the end, animals were weighted and blood samples were drawn for
plasma glucose measurement.
Results: Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and
retrieval processes of PAL and memory in rats. Ascorbic acid treatment improved
learning and memory in control rats and reversed learning and memory deficits
in diabetic rats. Ascorbic acid administration also improved the body weight
loss and hyperglycemia of diabetics. Hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of
the vitamin may be involved in the memory improving effects of such treatment.
Conclusion: These results show that ascorbic acid administration
to rats for 30
days from onset of diabetes alleviated the negative influence of diabetes on
learning and memory. Comparing with other nootropic drugs, vitamins have fewer
side effects. Therefore, this regimen may provide a new potential alternative
for prevention of the impaired cognitive functions associated with diabetes
after confirming by clinical trials.
Rights and permissions | |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |