ABSTRACT
Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the modulating effect of Zhenxin Xingshui Yizhi Fang and its essential oil extract on cognitive deficits in mice.Method: For the purpose of this study 5 months old APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and wild-type C57BL/6JNju were selected as experimental animals.Then APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group,essential oil low and high-dose groups (12.13,48.50 mg·L-1),Zhenxin Xingshui Yizhi Fang group (0.46 g·kg-1).Meanwhile,wild-type C57BL/6JNju mice were used as a normal group.APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were treated with Zhenxin Xingshui Yizhi Fang and its essential oil extract for 22 consecutive days.Mice were subjected to a Morris water maze test and a platform test in order to determine their cognitive effect.Nissl's staining was used to observe pathological changes in brain tissue.Meanwhile,senile plaques (SP) were observed by employing Thioflavin-S staining.The expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1) and insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry techniques.The levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACH),glutamate (GLU) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Result: The memory function was significantly reduced in model group,and severe brain injury and neuronal apoptosis were also observed in comparison to normal group (PPPPPPPConclusion: These results indicate that Zhenxin Xingshui Yizhi Fang and its essential oil extract could ameliorate cognitive deficits and GLUT1 and IRS-1 could be a possible therapeutic target for AD.It may be an interesting approach to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.