Effects of puerarin on spatial learning and memory function in mice with acute alcohol consumption: An evaluation based upon firing rate and oxygen saturation analysis.

Abstract

Ethanol is associated with various medical comorbidities affecting the brain and central nervous system. The use of puerarin in treating alcohol-induced memory disorders is systematically evaluated in this study based upon an analysis of the firing rate and oxygen saturation (SO2). A multi-channel data acquisition system and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were combined to obtain the electroneurophysiological signals and SO2 in the hippocampus of mice from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) after ethanol injection. A T-maze test was performed to study the alteration of spatial memory function. Ethanol was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in 2 dosages (1.5 g/kg and 0.5 g/kg). To investigate the effects of puerarin against acute ethanol-induced memory impairment, the same parameters corresponding to electroneurophysiological signals, SO2 and behavior performance in mice were also recorded upon the supplementation of puerarin in 2 dosages (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg). An inhibited firing rate and decreased SO2 were found in mice treated with an ethanol dose of 1.5 g/kg, which resulted in a low correct choice rate in the T-maze test, while an opposite trend appeared in mice which had been administered a moderate ethanol dose (0.5 g/kg). The trend of SO2 was positively correlated with that of the firing rate. A decreased firing rate and SO2 were accompanied by a decrease in the correct choice rate. With the supplementation of puerarin, a significant increase in the mean firing rate and SO2, as well as an improved correct choice rate, can be found in mice injected with excessive ethanol. The electroneurophysiological signals and NIRS were combined for the first time to prove that an excessive intake of ethanol can inhibit the spatial learning and memory function of mice. The supplementation of puerarin can suppress these adverse effects induced by ethanol at a high dosage, as evidenced by the increased firing rate and SO2.