Photooxidized Vespa orientalis venom Improves Memory and Learning Activities in Rats

Abstract

The work was aimed to study the effect of photooxidized Vespa orientalis venom on memory and learning activity on rats in presence of scopolamine and ondansetron using T maze, Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance. UV radiation exposure of Vespa orientalis venom (VOV) for 15, 30, 45 and 60 min intervals in presence to methylene blue to detoxify venom and studied by change in UV spectrum. Antigenicity study and in in-vivo and in-vitro neutralization study of Photooxidized Vespa orientalis venom (PVOV) against immunoglobulin from hyperimmunized rabbit was performed. The memory and learning activity of PVOV in presence and absence of scopolamine and ondansetron was studied. Forty five minute UV Radiation exposed VOV showed shift in λmax and increase absorbance indicated alternations in venom protein concentration, this in supported when PVOV showed loss of toxicity and decrease in mortality time in neutralization study in mice. Administration of PVOV for 28 days produced a notable improvement in spatial and long memory in rats when subjected in several tasks. When PVOV administered with scopolamine and ondansetron, all the parameters of spatial and long term memory tasks were significantly reduced inferred that PVOV acted by modulating either muscarinic or serotonergic receptors. However, other possibility of low-molecular weight protein and peptides or enzymes, which might also act by serotonergic / cholinergic system that affect CNS action. We concluded that although there is a possibility of employing PVOV in the treatment of depressive and chronic degenerative illnesses as a nonherbal and nonsynthetic alternative for patients not responding to the available therapy.