Attenuation of stress induced memory deficits by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rats: Role of antioxidant enzymes

Pharmacol Rep. 2017 Apr;69(2):300-305. doi: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.11.009. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Abstract

Background: Repeated stress paradigms have been shown to cause devastating alterations on memory functions. Stress is linked with inflammation. Psychological and certain physical stressors could lead to neuroinflammation. Inflammatory process may occur by release of mediators and stimulate the production of prostaglandins through cyclooxygenase (COX). Treatment with COX inhibitors, which restrain prostaglandin production, has enhanced memory in a number of neuroinflammatory states showing a potential function for raised prostaglandins in these memory shortfalls. In the present study, potential therapeutic effects of indomethacin and diclofenac sodium on memory in both unrestraint and restraint rats were observed.

Methods and results: Two components, long term memory and short term memory were examined by Morris water maze (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) respectively. The present study also demonstrated the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes along with the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results of MWM and EPM showed significant effects of drugs in both unrestraint and restraint rats as escape latency and transfer latency, in respective behavioral models were decreased as compared to that of control. This study also showed NSAIDs administration decreased LPO and increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased AChE activity in rats exposed to repeated stress.

Conclusion: In conclusion this study suggests a therapeutic potential of indomethacin and diclofenac against repeated stress-induced memory deficits.

Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase; Antioxidant enzyme; Lipid peroxidation; Memory; Prostaglandins.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / drug effects
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Memory, Long-Term / drug effects*
  • Memory, Short-Term / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antioxidants
  • Acetylcholinesterase