Effects of nanoparticle alumina oxide on learning and memory in rats

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of nanoparticle alumina oxide on spatial learning and memory in rats. Methods 50 SD rats randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,low nano-Al2O3 group,middle nano-Al2O3 group,high nano-Al2O3 group(the dose were 1 mg/kg,10 mg/kg,50 mg/kg respectively). Each group was treated by intraperitoneal injection once two days. Ninety days later, the parameters of place navigation test and spatial probe test in rats with Morris water maze were analyzed.Results The escape latency of low, middle and high-dose nano-Al2O3 groups are (9.90±0.57)s,(11.22±6.19)s,(12.50±2.91)s separately, significantly increasing than control group (4.69±1.54)s(P＜0.05). The proportion of target quadrant run distance to total run distance showed that low, middle and high dose nano-Al2O3 groups were (23.05±2.46)%,(22.77±5.17)%,(24.39±5.38)% seperately, significantly decreasing than control group(P＜0.01). Conclusion It is suggested that nanoparticle alumina oxide could damage the ability of learning and memory in rats. Key words: Nanoparticle ; Al2O3 ; Learning and memory ; Rats ;