Effects of Edaravone on Learning and Memory Ability and the Mrna Expression of b-Amyloid Precursor Protein in the Hippocampus of Alzheimer’s Disease Model Rats

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of edaravone on learning and memory ability and the mRNA expression of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model rats. METHODS Forty-four rats　were randomly divided into 4 groups: blank control group(12), AD model group(12), edaravone low-dosage group(10) and edaravone high-dosage group(10). AD model was made by injection in peritoneum of D-galactose and administration of aluminum chloride. In the ninth week, low-dosage group and high-dosage group were injected respectively in caudal vein with edaravone 3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 and 6 mg·kg^-1·d^-1; control group and model group were injected with equal volume normal saline. After 12 weeks, Morris water maze was used to measure the learning and memory ability, and RT-PCR was used to assay the mRNA expression of APP in the hippocampus. RESULTS Edaravone can significantly improve the disorder of learning and memory ability of AD model rats (P<0.05). The APP mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in low-dosage group and high-dosage group compared with model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Edaravone can significantly improve the disorder of learning and memory ability of AD model rats.