Effect of tanshinone on IL-1#beta# and IL-6 mRNA expressions in the hippocampus of rats with alzheimer disease

? Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of tanshinone(Tan)improving the learning and memory impairment of rats induced by amyloid β-peptide 1-40 (Aβ 1-40). Method 10μg incubated Aβ 1-40 was injected bilaterally into the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus of each rat to establish an animal model ofAlzheimer's disease (AD). Two-compartment step-through passive avoidance test and shuttle-box active avoidance response test were used to detect the learning and memory function of rats. Asemiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the determination of IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels in the hippocampus of rats. Result Learning and memory dysfunction of Aβ 1-40-injected rats was detected by the behavioral test. The levels of IL-1βand IL-6 mRNA in the hippocampus of Aβ 1-40-injected rats were significantly higher than those of the controls (P 0.01). After Tan administration (50 mg / kg, ig × 14 d), the learning and memory impairment of Aβ 1-40 injected rats was markedly inhibited and the IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA contents significantly decreased compared to those treated with placebo (P 0.01). Conclusion Tan can ameliorate the learning and memory impairment of rats induced by Aβ 1-40hippocampal injection. Tan exerted inhibitory effects on IL-1β and IL-6 gene expressions in Aβ 1-40-injected rats. It might be one of the molecular mechanisms Tanimproving the on learning and memory impairment induced by amyloid β-peptide 1-40 (Aβ 1-40) in rats.