The effect of Thymus vulgaris on learning and memory and oxidative stress in the epileptic model of memory impairment in the rat

Background and Aim : Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is a chemical substance which largely used for induction of seizure and epilepsy in the animal model, and it can also, disrupts free radicals balance and causes oxidative stress in the body with a negative impact on memory and learning. In this study, the medicinal plant Thymus vulgaris, was used to evaluate its effect on oxidative stress and memory deficit caused by PTZ in the rat.Methods : Twenty-four rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups: control negative under treatment with PTZ (sub-threshold dose 35 mg/kg for one month), control positive under treatment with Phenobarbital (PB-30 mg/kg), and two PTZ groups under treatment with T. vulgaris extract (TVE-50, and -100 mg/kg). Standard passive avoidance test was used to evaluate retention and recall (evaluation of memory and learning). After behavioral evaluation, rats were anesthetized, brains were removed, and following preparation of hippocampal homogenates, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD)) was evaluated using specified kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS.Results : Step-through latency in passive avoidance test in PTZ group receiving TVE at a dose of 100 mg/kg was greater than PTZ group. In addition, hippocampal lipid peroxidation (MDA level) in TVE-100 treated PTZ group was significantly lower and catalase activity and SOD level were significantly greater versus PTZ group.Conclusion : Our results showed that TVE could prevent memory deficit and ameliorate hippocampal oxidative stress in PTZ-kindled rats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thymus vulgaris ، Epilepsy ، Oxidative stress ، Neuroinflammation ، Learning and memory