ABSTRACT
AIM To observe the effects of ZMS and ZMR(isomer of ZMS),two active components of Zhimu on learning and memory ability and muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in aged rats. METHODS 24 month-old SD rats were randomly divided into aged control group, ZMS and ZMR treatment group. Young rats were used as normal control group. The learning and memory ability was detected by Y-maze method. The muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in the brain was detected by 3H-QNB binding tests. RESULTS It was found that daily oral administration of ZMS and ZMR for 40 d significantly enhanced the learning and memory ability and the muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in the brain of the aged rats. CONCLUSION These results suggested that ZMS and ZMR probably have potential preventive and curative action for the progressive deterioration of the cholinergic system in Alzheimers disease (AD).