Effect of Kefir consumption on spatial learning and memory consolidation in adult male rats

Milk and its products have an important role in nutrition and health. Kefir, a probiotic product of milk, may have a modulator effect in memory potentially. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of kefir on the spatial learning and memory of male rat. Forty two Wistar male rats weighting 275-300gr were used in this study. Animals were trained in Morris Water Maze task with 4 trails for 4 consecutive days and the retention of spatial training was evaluated 24h after the last training session. Kefir (25, 50, 75 and 100) % or saline was administrated orally in volume 10 ml/kg for four weeks by a gavage. The control group was intact (n=7). Comparing of the total distance and time of reaching to the hidden platform in MWM in the acquisition days has been showed a significant decrease between kefir administration and control groups (p<0.05). On the retrieval day, administration of kefir (25, 75 and 100) % increased the time of swimming in the trigger zone to find the platform, significantly (p<0.01, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). Oral administration of kefir can improve spatial learning and consolidation of memory in rat.