The therapic effect of bFGF gene transfection on radiation induced learning and memory impairment of rats

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)transfection therapy on learning and memory ability of radiation brain injuries rat model.Methods The bFGF gene was cloned by PCR method and linked to pc-DNA3.1(+)plasmid.Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped to 3 groups and received different treatment.The rats of bFGF group were injected bFGF-pcDNA3.1(+)plasmid into lateral ventricle after radiation and the rats of radiation group were only received single 25 Gy radiation by linear accelerator.Control group was set for contrast.Before radiation and 7,20,60 days after radiation,Moms maze test were taken to study the learning and memory ability of rats in each group.Average escape latency(AEL)and search strategy(SS)were scaled and analyzed.Pathology examinations were taken in every group.Results No statistic differences of AEL and SS were found in each group before radiation.After radiation,learning and memory ability of rats in each group were dramatically changed(P＜0.05).The scales of ALE in bFGF group were decreased after 7 and 20 days[(68.42±11.35)s,(50.87±12.06)s]and so were the scales of SS[(16.89±2.08)%,(19.98±2.14)%]and recovered after 60 days[AEL:(40.28±10.87)s;SS:(26.42±2.59)%]but no recoveries were found in radiation and control group after 60 days of radiation.Neurons were atrophic degenerated and whiter matter were loosen in radiation group but the pathologic changes were lessen in bFGF groups.Conclusion The impairment of learning and memory ability caused by 25 Gy radiation can be reversed by bFGF transgenic therapy. Key words: Radiation brain injuries; Gene transfection therapy; bFGF; Rat; Leaming and memory