Spirulina microalgae improves memory deficit induced by scopolamine in male pup rats: Role of oxidative stress

Abstract

ObjectiveMemory is one of the most complicated behaviors in humans and animals. Oxidative stress plays an important role in impairment of memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate if Spirulina plathensis could prevent memory deficit induced by scopolamine through suppressing oxidative stress. Materials and methodsIn the present study 54 male pup wistar rats (30 days old) were used. Animals randomly were divided into 9 groups [Saline + Saline (Control), Saline + Scopolamine 1 mg/kg, Saline + Scopolamine 2 mg/kg, Spirulina 100 mg/kg + Scopolamine 2 mg/kg, Spirulina 200 mg/kg + Scopolamine 2 mg/kg, Spirulina 400 mg/kg + Scopolamine 2 mg/kg, Spirulina 100 mg/kg + Saline, Spirulina 200 mg/kg + Saline, Spirulina 400 mg/kg + Saline] with 6 in each group. To detecting memory, inhibitory avoidance (IA) task (0.5 mA, 3 s footshock) was used. Immediately after training, scopolamine (or saline in control group) was injected intraperitoneally and 24 latter memory retention tests were recorded. Within 14 days prior to training, Spirulina plathensis or saline were used intragastrically.Biochemical tests were included Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity of serum measurement using thiobarbituric acid and Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) respectively. ResultsScopolamine (2 mg/kg) significantly (P < .05) impaired memory retention compared to control group. Spirulina significantly (P < .05) improved scopolamine-induced memory deficit. Scopolamine (2 mg/kg) significantly (P < .05) increased MDA level, but Spirulina (200 mg/kg) significantly (P < .001) reversed MDA level toward its control level. ConclusionSpirulina improves scopolamine induced-memory deficit through inhibiting oxidative stress probably. Oxidative stress inhibition occurs through reducing MDA level.