• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제30권3호
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• pp.221-235
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the anti-amnesic effects of Bunsimgieum (BSGE) through its favorable acetylcholine (ACh) and, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA expressions, and antioxidant effect on scopolamine (Sco)-induced memory impairment in C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Six groups, a total of 20 intact or 100 Sco-induced mice were used in this study, based on their body weight. Half of each group underwent passive avoidance tests and the measurement of hippocampus AChE activity, ACh content, and ChAT mRNA expression, The remaining half of each group underwent a Morris water-maze test and antioxidant defense system measurement as well. Results: Significant reductions in the step-through latency times from the passive avoidance test and reductions in the escape latency times from the Morris water-maze test were observed with increases of hippocampal AChE activities and, reductions in ACh contents and ChAT mRNA expression in hippocampus, as a result of Sco intraperitoneal treatment, in this study. Additionally, the increases in cerebral cortical MDA levels and, reductions in GSH contents, SOD activities, and CAT activities were demonstrated in the Sco control mice compared with the intact vehicle control mice, respectively. However, 28 days of consecutive oral pre-treatment of BSGE hot water extracts of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, markedly and dose-dependently inhibited Sco treatment-related amnesia. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the oral administration of BSGE hot water extracts reduces Sco-induced memory impairment, through preserving ACh, related to ChAT mRNA expressions, causes AChE inhibition, and enhances the cerebral antioxidant defense system.