Effect of Acanthopannx Senticousus Saponins on Hippocampal CA1 LTP induced by Peripheral Stimulation

Objective:To investigate the effect of acanthopannx senticousus saponins(ASS)on long-term potentiation(LTP)in hippocampal CA1 induced by peripheral stimulation.Methods:20 male SD rats were randomized into control group and ASS group,10 rats in each one.Two trains of single twitch stimulation(10V-20 V,0.5 ms,1/min for 30 min)were applied to sciatic nerve to induce field potentials of hippocampal CA1.Tetanic stimulation(100 Hz,35 V,0.5 ms,lasting 1 s,at the interval of 10 s,4 times)was delivered to induce LTP in hippocampal CA1.In ASS group,before tetanic stimulation,ASS 1.0 μg/5μl was injected into intracerebroventricule(i.c.v),and afterwards,the effect of ASS on LTP was observed.Results:Electric stimulation in sciatic nerve induced latency(172.33±1.65ms)and field potentials that were presented repeatedly with negative wave predominated,and of mean amplitude(32.24±0.72 μV)in hippocampal CA1.In control group,after tetanic stimulation,LTP was continued for over 2 h.ASS enhanced LTP induction in hippocampal CA1 after tetanic stimulation.Conclusion:Acanthopannx senticousus saponins promotes remarkably LTP in hippocampal CA1 in rats,which indicates that it improves cerebral learning and memory.