Influence of curcumin on hippocampus neuron ChAT in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice

Objective To observe the expression of neuron choline acetyl-transferase(ChAT) in hippocampus CA1 zone in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice,and review the influence of curcumin on learning and memory ability.Methods All APP/PS1 double transgenic mice(3 months old) were randomly divided into model group,rosiglitazone group,and high-dose,mid-dose and low-dose curcumin group(high-dose group,mid-dose group and low-dose group),and C57BL/6J mice with the same age and genetic background were assigned into normal group.All groups were intragastrically given relevant medicinal respectively once a day for 3 months.The changes of learning and memory ability and hippocampus neuron ChAT were detected by using platform experiment,immunohistochemistry technique and Western blot method.Results Compared with normal group,latency time was much shorter in model group(P0.01).Compared with control group,latency time was much longer in all curcumin groups(P0.05 or P0.01).The results of immunohistochemistry technique showed that ChAT positive cells in hippocampus CA1 zone decreased significantly in model group compared with normal group(P0.01),and recovered in varying degrees in all curcumin groups.The results of Western blot method showed that the protein strips of ChAT became thinner and the color became paler in model group(P0.01),and became thicker and became darker(P0.05 or P0.01) in all curcumin groups.Conclusion Curcumin can improve learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice through improving the protein expression of ChAT and alleviate the disorder of neural conduction in animal model of Alzheimer's Disease.