Abstract
We have reported that continuous infusion of β-amyloid protein-(1-40) into the cerebral ventricle produces learning and memory deficits in rats. Propentofylline has potent stimulatory effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis/secretion in mouse astrocytes in vitro and increases cerebral NGF content in aged rats. In the present study, we examined the effects of propentofylline on learning and memory deficits in β-amyloid protein-infused rats. The rats were given propentofylline orally once a day throughout the period of behavioral examination. In the β-amyloid protein-infused rats, spontaneous alternation behavior in a Y-maze, and performance in water maze and passive avoidance tasks were significantly impaired compared to sham-operated rats. Propentofylline prevented these behavioral deficits, but did not change the reduction of the activity of choline acetyltransferase in the hippocampus in the β-amyloid protein-infused rats. These results suggest that propentofylline is useful for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.