Effect of Yindanxinnaotong capsule on super oxide dismutase level in the brain tissue of rat models of vascular dementia and their behavioral changes

Objective To investigate the effect ofYindanxinnaotong (YDXNT) capsule on learning and memory abilities, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the hippocampus of rat models of vascular dementia (VD). Methods Animals were randomly divided into sham-operated group,VD vehicle group (Group VD) and YDXNT treatment group (Group VD+YDXNT); the 4-vessel occlusion was employed to establish the VD rat models in the Group VD and Group VD+YDXNT,while rats in the sham-operated group were not performed occlusion of the bilateral common carotid artery.Rats of the Group VD+YDXNT were given 1 mL liquid (9 granules of YDXNT into 360 mL normal saline) through intragastric administration 3 times daily for a consecutive 4 weeks; and rats of the other 2 groups were given the same volume of saline.The changes of learning and memory abilities were observed by Morris water maze test; the activity of SOD and the content of MDA in the hippocampus were measured. Results As compared with those in rats of the Group VD, the learning and memory abilities in rats of the Group VD+YDXNT were significantly improved (P＜0.05):time in finding the platform was obviously decreased and swimming distance in finding the platform was obviously shortened in rats of Group VD+YDXNT.As compared with those in rats of the Group VD,the activity of SOD in the hippocampus was significantly increased and the content of MDA was obviously decreased in rats of the Group VD+YDXNT (P＜0.05). Conclusion YDXNT could increase oxygen radical metabolism to improve the learning and memory abilities of rats with VD. Key words: Vascular dementia; Yindanxinnaotong Capsule; Super oxide dismutase; Malondialdehyde