Research on the influence of Siberian fir polyprenols on learning and memory of mice with an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly becoming a cause of early disability and death. Attempts to create a pharmacotherapeutic agent that provides an effective result in treating this pathology have so far been unsuccessful. This article presents the results of experimental studies aimed at creating a more effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Materials and Methods: The object of the study was polyisoprenoids isolated from Siberian fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.). Experiments were conducted on 108 outbred adult male mice from the CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) stock, weighing 28-30 g (at 5 weeks old). The effect of the sum of polyisoprenoids on learning and memory was studied in a dose range of 5, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg. Gliatilin was used as a reference drug at a dose of 90 mg/kg.  The experimental model of cognitive dysfunction was created by chronic (for 20 days) intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by changes in the indicators of conditioned passive avoidance reflex (CPAR).

Results and Discussion: The results of the experiments showed that chronic administration of scopolamine caused a pronounced decrease in the reproducibility of CPAR. Simultaneously, the studied substance at doses of 20 and 50 mg/kg restored the reproducibility of the reflex to a level close to the values of intact control. Gliatilin showed a similar effect. The authors believe that cholinergic receptors are involved in the development of the anti-amnestic effect.

Conclusion: The presented study demonstrates the discovery of a new agent with anti-amnestic action based on the sum of polyprenols from Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica Ledeb.), family Pinaceae. This agent can be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative pathologies, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.

Graphical Abstract