Effect of quercetin on learning and memory performance in ICR mice under neurotoxic trimethyltin exposure

Abstract

To investigate the anti-amnesic effect of quercetin by using in vivo Y-maze and passive avoidance tests, the learning and memory impairment in ICR mice was induced by neurotoxic trimethyltin. Quercetin pre-administration attenuated TMT-induced memory injury in both in vivo tests. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), prepared from mice brain tissues, was inhibited by quercetin in a dose-dependent manner. Malondialdehyde generation in the brain homogenate of mice treated with quercetin decreased, indicating that peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was inhibited by the cellular membrane. In addition, potent antioxidant capacity of quercetin was confirmed through various antioxidative assays. Our findings suggest that the quercetin may improve cognitive ability against TMT-induced neuronal deficit and also have an inhibitory action against AChE. Consequently, these results demonstrate that the quercetin could possess a wide range of beneficial activities for neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.