The effect of Ferulic acid on motor-cognitive learning in Trimethyltin- induced hyperactivity model

Trimethyltin (TMT) is an organotin with selectively damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus which leads hyperactivity in prenatal exposure. The aim of this study was the evaluation of Ferulic acid (FER) effect on amelioration of motor and cognitive deficits in prenatal TMT-intoxication rat model.

In this experimental study, 30 Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, including control group, TMT+Saline group and TMT+FER25, TMT+FER50 and TMT+FER100 groups. TMT (9 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected to the pregnant rats on embryonic day (ED) 14. Ferulic acid groups were treated by 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of Ferulic acid during ED12 to ED18. Open field test for evaluation of anxiety and locomotor activity, beam walking and grid walking test for assessment of motor learning and Y-maze for evaluation of working memory were used on postnatal day (PND) 30. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc.

Increased rates of anxiety- like behaviors, decrease of motor learning and working memory were shown in TMT+Saline group compared to the control. Although, Ferulic acid treated groups were shown a significant amelioration in correct alteration behavior and motor learning with reduction of anxiety- like behaviors (p˂0.05).

TMT prenatal exposure impairs learning and attention in rats and Ferulic acid may reduce cognitive-behavioral deficits.