Sadigh-Eteghad_2015_Acta.Cir.Bras_30_736

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of PHA-543613 (alpha7-nAChR agonist) and galantamine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI)) on recognition memory and neurovascular coupling (NVC) response in beta-amyloid (Abeta) 25-35-treated mice.
METHODS: PHA-543613 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and galantamine (3 mg/kg, s.c.), effects were tested in Abeta25-35 mice model of AD. alpha7-nAChR antagonist, methyllycaconitine (MLA) (1 mg/kg, i.p.), was used for evaluation of receptor blockade effects. Recognition memory in animals was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR) task. NVC response was analyzed by laser-doppler flow meter in barrel cortex by whisker stimulation method.
RESULTS: Both, PHA-543613 and galantamine improve recognition memory in Abeta-treated animals. However, the advantageous effects of PHA-543613 were significantly higher than galantamine. Also, pretreatment with MLA reversed both galantamine and PHA-543613 effects on NOR. Impaired NVC response in AD animals was improved by PHA-543613 and galantamine. However, MLA pretreatment disrupts this function. CONCLUSION: Activation of alpha7-nAChR improved recognition memory possible through enhancement of neurovascular response in Alzheimer's disease in animals.