Effects of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule on renovascular hypertension-induced β-amyloid protein deposition and cognitive impairment in rats

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule on β-amyloid protein(Aβ) deposition in the brain and learning and memory function in renovascular hypertensive rats (RHRSP). Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (5 rats per group): normal group, sham-operated group, hypertension with Dengzhan Shengmai capsule treatment group and hypertension with normal saline (NS) treatment group.Renovascular hypertensive models were created by clipping two-kidney. Dengzhan Shengmai capsules were dissolved in sterile 0.9% NS and were administered (20 mg·kg-1 per day) by daily gavage for 4 weeks. In the NS group, hypertensive rats were given saline in the same volume. Immunofluorescent labeling and western blot were used to detect the expression of Aβ, NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α in the brain, respectively. Learning and memory function were detected by Morris water maze. Results RHRSP significantly increased Aβ deposition in the cerebral cortex and impaired memory function in rats. Dengzhan Shengmai capsule treatment significantly lowered the blood pressure compared with NS treatment((157.45±11.58) mmHg vs (197.76±10.12 ) mmHg). In addition, the levels of Aβ, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α protein were significantly reduced, by Dengzhan Shengmai caspule treatment.The escape latency was shortened((24.64±4.57)s vs (37.17±3.87)s), while the frequency of passing through the platform quadrant(5.39±0.12 vs 3.05±0.28) and the dwell time((27.34±3.67)s vs (16.83±5.76)s)(all P<0.01) in the platform quadrant were significantly increased by Dengzhan Shengmai capsule treatment. Conclusions Dengzhan Shengmai capsule may reduce Aβ deposition in brain and improve learning and memory function by anti-inflammatory effects in RHRSP. Key words: Dengzhan Shengmai capsule; β-amyloid protein; Learining and memory function