Najmeh Kiamarsian, Shiva Khezri
*, Minoo Ilkhanipour
1 Department of Biology, School of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in central nervous system characterized by neuroinflammation. In this study, the effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) on learning and spatial memory was investigated following a demyelination induction using lysolecithin injection into the rat hippocampus. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, for the demyelination induction, 2µl lysolecithin (LPC) was injected streotaxically into the dentate gyros. Then, animals received 30mg/kg catechin for 7, 14, and 28 days after demyelination induced by lysolecithin. Subsequently, the spatial memory was investigated by a radial maze. Repeated measurement used for statistical evaluation. Results: The impairment of the spatial memory was more significant 7 and 14 days after the LPC injection. Hence, food finding time has increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0/001). Moreover, the administration of EGCG has improved the spatial memory so that receiving EGCG for a longer time e.g. 28 days after demyelination induction can significantly recover the learning and spatial memory compared to the LPC-receiving group (P<.001). Conclusion: The long-term administration of EGCG can improve the spatial memory and learning of rats. Hence, it can be suggested as a treatment for demyelinated disease such as MS.