Effect of Vitamin E on Memory Damage Induced by Streptozotocin in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Vitamin E is a nutrient essential for the body. This vitamin as a natural antioxidant, scavenges free radicals in cell membranes and protects unsaturated fatty acids from lipid peroxidation. In the present study, the effect of vitamin E on neurodegeneration induced by intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of streptozotocin (STZ), was investigated in mature adult male Wistar rats.
In this experimental study, the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of normal control, Alzheimer control rats, and vitamin E (100 and 200mg/kg bw, oral daily) together with STZ. The animals received STZ at a dose of 3μl/cannula, 75mg/ml, ICV, bilaterally, on the 1st and 3rd days. Vitamin E treatment was started 1h before the first dose of STZ and continued for 14 days. Learning and memory behavior was evaluated using passive avoidance test. Data were analyzed by one-factor analysis of variance.
STZ treatment decreased step-through latency and increased the time in the dark compartment. Moreover, vitamin E treatment attenuated these changes.
The results of this research showed that vitamin E treatment significantly improves STZ-induced cognitive impairment. Therefore, vitamin E can provide protection against aging-induced memory deficit and neuronal damage induced by STZ.