TANNIN AND FLAVONOID ATTENUATES PENTYLENETETRAZOL-INDUCED WORKING MEMORY DEFICITS AND TNF-? LEVELS IN SELECTED LIMBIC AREAS OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

Mba Christian Ejuiwa*, Anyanwu Godson Emeka and Elizabeth Finbarrs-Bello

ABSTRACT

Polyphenols influence on the modulation of cytokines, pro-inflammatory genes expression and neuroprotection has been supported by different studies. This study used tannin and flavonoid polyphenols from phyllanthus amarus leaves. Spatial working memory deficits has been reportedly associated with chronic neurodegenerative diseases in the long term and this study accessed how tannin and flavonoid synergy can ameliorate such deficits and proffer protective effects in few limbic system areas (amygdala and hippocampus). 49 wistar rats were used for this study in seven groups. Group 1 was given growers feed and water, group 2 was given 10.3mg/kg of PTZ only for 4 days, group 3,100mg/kg of tannin + flavonoid (Marc) for 20 days and 2.6mg/kg of PTZ for 4 days, group 4 was given 200mg/kg of Marc for 20 days and 5.1mg/kg of PTZ for 4 days, group 5, 400mg/kg of Marc for 20 days and 10.3mg/kg of PTZ for 4 days, group 6,400mg/kg of Marc only for 20 days while group 7 was given 3.2mg/kg of tegretol (a control drug) for 20 days and 10.3mg/kg of PTZ for 4 days. Results indicate that PTZ elicited memory deficits which was enhanced by tannin + flavonoid (12.98±15.91) and PTZ also initiated degranulation in the hippocampus and mild glial cells activation in the Amygdala with no significant effects in change in Tnf-α blood levels. In conclusion, Marc improved spatial working memory, had neuropretective effects in the amygdala and hippocampus microstructure and did not inhibit Tnf-α blood levels.

Keywords: Pentylenetetrazol, neuroprotective, tannin, flavonoid, memory.