Effects of Xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment in mice induced by i.c.v.Aβ_(1-42)

Objective To investigate the improvement of Xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment in mice induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1-42(i.c.v.Aβ1-42)and the possible mechanisms of its protection against AD.Methods Y-maze test,water-maze test and step-down test were used to investigate the learning and memory ability of mice;Biochemical analysis was used to detect the activity of CAT,T-AOC,ATPase and the content of MDA.Results The results showed that Xanthoceraside could significantly increase the alternation behavior in Y-maze test,shorten swimming time in water maze test and increase the latency and decrease the number of errors and the total time of shock in step-down test.Xanthoceraside markedly increased the activity of CAT,T-AOC,ATPase,at the same time,decreased the content of MDA.Conclusions Xanthoceraside can improve learning and memory impairment in mice induced by i.c.v.Aβ1-42 significantly.The mechanism may be associated with the protection against damage induced by free radicals;the inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation and the improvement of metabolism of brain.