Effects of escitalopram on the cognitive function of chronic cerebral ischemic rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of escitalopram (ESC)on the cognitive function,the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)in the hippocampus,the dendritic length and arborization and dendritic spines density of chronic cerebral ischemic rats.Methods Rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group (permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries,2VO)and experimental group (treated with escitalopram at the dosage of 30 mg/kg·d).Rats were selected as study objects at week 1,2,4 and 8 after administration in each group.Their cognitive function was evaluated by the Morris water maze,the expression of BDNF protein was measured by Western blot,and dendritic morphology was studied by Golgi staining. Results In the Morris water maze test,the escape latency obviously extended in model group and experimental group compared with that in sham-operation group (P<0 .0 5 ),while the escape latency was shorter in experimental group than in model group (P<0.05).Compared with those in sham-operation group,the dendritic length and arborization and the density of dendritic spines in hippocampal CA1 significantly decreased in model group and experimental group (P<0 .0 5 ),while they increased significantly in experimental group compared with model group (P<0.05)by Golgi staining.Compared with sham-operation group,the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus of experimental group and model group significantly decreased (P<0 .0 5 ),but it increased significantly in experiment group compared with model group (P<0.05)by Western blot.Conclusion Escitalopram could significantly delay the progression of cognitive impairment induced by chronic cerebral ischemia in rats.The improvement of learning and memory may be related to the increased expression of BDNF.