Preventive effect of N-stearoylethanolamine on memory disorders, blood and brain biochemical parameters in rats with experimental scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment

Abstract

The impairment of cognitive functions is the most studied medical and social problem nowadays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on memory state, blood and brain biochemical parameters in rats under scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. The results of this study shown that NSE administration to rats per os (5 mg/kg, 5 days, during last 3 days NSE was administrated 20 min prior to scopolamine injection (1 mg/kg, once daily for 3 days, intraperitoneally)) prevented the development of memory impairment. In particular, NSE action was associated with the prevention of increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, changes in phospholipid, free and esterified cholesterol level in hippocampus and frontal cortex, and disruption in pro-/antioxidant balance in blood and studied brain sections. Considering the above mentioned biological effects, NSE is a promising drug candidate for integrative therapy of cognitive impairment of different profiles.

Keywords

• acetylcholinesterase
• catalase
• cholesterol
• glutathione peroxidase
• N-stearoylethanolamine
• nitrotyrosine
• phospholipids
• scopolamine
• superoxide dismutase
• TBARS