Effect of Danhuangtongluo capsule on learning and memory ability and cholinergic system of Alzheimer′s disease rats

Objective To observe the effect of Danhuangtongluo capsule on learning and memory ability and cholinergic system in the brain of Alzheimer′s disease(AD) model rats.Methods AD model rats were established by injected Aβ25~35 to lateral ventricle.Morris water maze test was used to measure the learning and memory function.The activities of choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase(AchE) in the brain were examined by colorimetry.The expression of M1 receptor in hippocampus was measured with immunohistochemistry.Results Danhuangtongluo capsule improved learning and memory ability of AD model rats,and not only obviously decreased AchE activity and increased ChAT activity,but also the expression of M1 receptor in hippocampus was improved.Conclusions Danhuangtongluo capsule can effectively improve cognitive performance in AD model rats,which maybe related to protect the central cholinergic system.