Effects of Aminoguanidine on Apoptosis in the Hippocampus and Memory Disorder in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

authors:

avatar Hamid Reza Sameni 1 , 2 , avatar Abbas Ali Vafaei 3 , 4 , avatar Sam Zarbakhsh 1 , 2 , avatar Afsaneh Talebian 1 , avatar Mohammad Reza Aldaghi 1 , 2 , *

Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

how to cite: Sameni H R, Vafaei A A, Zarbakhsh S, Talebian A, Aldaghi M R. Effects of Aminoguanidine on Apoptosis in the Hippocampus and Memory Disorder in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud. 2021;8(4):e115127. https://doi.org/10.5812/mejrh.115127.

Abstract

Background:

Memory loss is the main disorder accompanied by Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the protective effects of aminoguanidine (Amg) on cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and memory impairment in male rats received scopolamine (Scop).

Methods:

Thirty male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were randomly divided into the three groups of saline-saline group, Scop + saline, and Scop + Amg groups. The rats received intraperitoneal injection of Scop (3 mg/kg) for seven days, and subsequently, 100 mg/kg of Amg or normal saline were intraperitoneally administrated for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was used to study memory deficits. Finally, the animals were anesthetized, hippocampi were quickly removed, histological study was performed, and hippocampal cell apoptosis was evaluated by the cresyl violet staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling test, respectively.

Results:

Scop injection resulted in reduced pyramidal cells and increased cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 area, and impaired spatial learning and memory. The administration of Amg significantly improved memory and improved the density of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 area of the rats (P < 0.01). Also, the number of apoptotic cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the Scop + Amg group decreased compared to the Scop + saline group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that the intraperitoneal injection of Amg declined the number of apoptotic cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and improved memory impairment in the Scop-induced rat model of AD. It is suggested that Amg may have protective effects against AD.

1. Background

Numerous people around the world suffer from memory disorders. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a typical age-dependent neurodegenerative disease accompanied by memory impairment and cognitive disorder (1). The precise etiology of AD is not well known, but an abnormal accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and acetylcholinesterase, oxidative stress, and increased neuroinflammation are accompanied by AD (1-5). Aβ plaques aggregate in extracellular matrix while abnormal deposits of tau proteins result in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formation. The histopathological changes in AD commonly occur in the hippocampus and brain cortex (6, 7).

Scopolamine (Scop) is widely used for induced AD-like dementia in animal models (4). Memory impairment induced by Scop could be associated with altered oxidative stress, cholinergic neurons dysfunction, cell differentiation, and apoptosis (4, 8-10), which explains a relationship between memory disorders and oxidative stress (11-14). Induced oxidative stress results in the development of AD (11). The brain requires high oxygen and glucose and is susceptible to generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) (14). Nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Nitric oxide and ROS cause neuroinflammation and can lead to neurodegenerative diseases (13-16). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) overexpression and increased NO levels are involved in AD pathophysiology (17-20). It is suggested that the inhibition of iNOS may effectively improve AD (13, 17). Amino guanidine (Amg) has several biological activities such as oxidative stress inhibition, inflammation suppression, iNOS inhibition, and neurodegeneration reduction (9, 17-19). Nitric oxide overproduction can be partly responsible for some neurodegenerative damages in AD (9, 13). Amg is an essential inhibitor of iNOS that can prevent the excessive production of NO. It has been previously shown that iNOS results in the increased synthesis of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which accelerates cell death and memory deficit (21). iNOS inhibitors improve spatial memory through their modulatory role (16-19). Chen et al. demonstrated that Amg by reducing the expression levels of ROS, NO, iNOS, and cyclooxygenase‑2 (COX‑2) prevented Aβ-induced AD (19). Amg can reverse the dysfunction of the cholinergic system and improve spatial memory by its modulatory role (21).

Beheshti et al. exhibited that Amg has protective effects against LPS-induced memory loss and decreased Aβ and oxidative stress (11, 16). A recent study showed that Amg has protective effects against ovariectomy-induced memory defect and Aβ production disorder (22). Other studies have shown that one month of Amg injection improves memory by modulating Bcl-2 expression in diabetic rats (23, 24). Asghari et al. indicated that Amg reversed neuronal dysfunction and brain damage due to titanium dioxide and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive neurons in the CA1 and other hippocampus regions (25). It has been previously revealed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD (26). Amg is a free radical scavenger, AGE, and oxidative stress inhibitor (17-19). Carnevale et al. demonstrated that Amg suppresses AGEs receptors in the brain, preventing Aβ deposition in the brain and reducing memory (27).

2. Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Amg treatment on memory impairment, histopathological changes, and cell apoptosis in the CA1 area of the hippocampus induced by Scop in male rats. We hypothesized that the administration of Amg decreases apoptosis in the hippocampus and improves memory impairment in AD.

3. Methods

3.1. Drugs

Scop (CAS Number: 6533-68-2) and Amg (CAS Number: 1937-19-5) (both Sigma) were dissolved in normal saline. The dose of scopolamine was selected based on the previous studies (8, 10). The dose of Amg was also determined based on a pilot study and previous research (16-19).

3.2. Experimental Animals

Thirty adults male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were maintained in the animal room of SEMUMS with free access to water and food and 12 hours of light-dark cycle at 23 - 25°C. This study was performed at Semnan University of Medical Sciences (SEMUMS) (code of ethics: IR. SEMUMS.139588). Every procedure was conducted according to the protocols of the SEMUMS Ethics Committee. The rats were divided into three groups as follows.

Saline-saline group (Saline + saline): The rats received intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg of normal saline for 21 consecutive days.

Scopolamine-normal saline group (Scop + saline group): The rats received intraperitoneal injection of 3 mg/kg of Scop dissolved in saline for seven consecutive days, followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of normal saline for 14 days.

Scopolamine-aminoguanidine group (Scop + Amg group): The rats received intraperitoneal injection of 3 mg/kg of Scop dissolved in saline for seven consecutive days, followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg of Amg dissolved in saline for 14 days.

Then, the following experiments were performed for each group.

3.2.1. Learning and Spatial Memory Test

The Morris water maze test was used to study the animals' spatial memory and learning (11, 28, 29). The animals are were in a circular pool. It was a water-filled poll (22 - 25ºC) with a 1.5 to 2-cm escape platform under the water surface. Each animal was trained four trials per day, and the platform position remained constant for all the groups. A camera recorded the movements of the rats in the pool. The time latency (platform location latency), swimming speed, and length of the swimming were recorded. On the next day, all the rats were checked in order to evaluate the animals’ platform position memory. At this stage, the platform was lifted, and each animal was released from four directions into the Morris water maze apparatus to search the pool within 60 seconds. Finally, the distance traveled and the time spent in the target quadrant were measured and recorded.

3.2.2. Histopathological Study

For histopathological assessment, the rats were anesthetized, their brains were removed, and cresyl violet fast staining was carried out on the paraffin sections. Cresyl violet is a standard staining method for neurons. Briefly, the samples were processed by using a tissue processor apparatus (Auto Technicon). Hippocampal tissues sections with a 7-μm thickness were prepared according to Paxinos and Watson rat brain atlas (30), which were cut from the dorsal surface of the hippocampus, 3 mm to 4 mm posterior to the Bregma (6 Slices of each rat with 150 μm interval). Then, each of them was embedded in a paraffin block, and finally, the sections of the hippocampus were mounted on slides and were stained according to the cresyl violet protocol. The CA1 region of the hippocampus was selected, and the average normal pyramidal cell densities was determined by using a microscope (Nikon) with a grid eyepiece, a digital camera (Sony, Japan), and analysis software (Motic Images plus 2). In addition to glial cells, the hippocampus consists of 5 - 6 condense layers of pyramidal cells. The nuclei of the normal pyramidal cells with clearly visible nucleoli, well-defined nuclear membrane, and lightly colored cytoplasm were taken into consideration for measurement. The shrunken pyramidal cells with a dark cytoplasm, irregular boundaries, and pyknotic nucleus were considered degenerated cells (31-33).

3.2.3. TUNEL Technique

Apoptotic cells in the hippocampus were detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. For the TUNEL assay, we used the In-Situ Cell Death Detection Kit (cat no. 11684795910, Roche, Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, the sections were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and washed in PBS, incubated with proteinase Kin Tris–HCl buffer, washed in PBS, then labeled with TUNEL reaction mixture, and rinsed with PBS subjected to fluorescent counterstaining with DAPI. Nuclear DNA fragmentation in the CA1 area of the hippocampus was analyzed using a fluorescence microscope (Olympus, Japan).

3.3. Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed by One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test. All values were expressed as the mean ± SEM and were considered statistically significant at the level of P < 0.05.

4. Results

4.1. Memory Impairment Analysis

The spatial memory of the rats was assessed with the Morris water maze test. The platform location latency in the Scop + saline group was longer than the other groups (P < 0.01). It was found that Scop induced damage to spatial memory. Amg treatment significantly shortened the platform location latency in the target quadrant and the opposite area than in the Scop + saline group. In the Scop + saline group, time spent in the target quadrant was significantly lower than in other groups (P < 0.05). The spent time in the target quadrant was significantly increased in the Scop + Amg group than in the Scop + saline group, indicating the inhibition of Scop effects by Amg. In the Scop + saline group, the mean distance of the animal from the center of the platform was significantly longer than the other groups (P < 0.01), which suggests that Scop induced damage to spatial memory. Scop + Amg significantly reduced the spent time compared to Scop + saline (P < 0.05, Figures 1-3).

Effect of aminoguanidine on time to find the location of the platform during probe testing in the Morris water Maze test in all the experimental groups. Data are shown as means ± SEM. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.
Effect of aminoguanidine on time to find the location of the platform during probe testing in the Morris water Maze test in all the experimental groups. Data are shown as means ± SEM. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.
Effect of treatment with normal saline or aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) in the Morris water maze on the escape latency time
Effect of treatment with normal saline or aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) in the Morris water maze on the escape latency time
Time spent in the target zone (SW) in the Morris water maze test for normal saline or aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) treated rats. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P  <  0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.
Time spent in the target zone (SW) in the Morris water maze test for normal saline or aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) treated rats. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P  <  0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.

4.2. Histopathological Analysis

Cresyl violet staining was performed to demonstrate the density of pyramidal cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Scopolamine significantly reduced the number of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus compared to the saline + saline group (P < 0.01, Figure 2). In the Scop + Amg group, Amg administration significantly increased the pyramidal cells number in the hippocampal CA1 area (P < 0.05). Based on the results, Amg treatment in the Scop + Amg group could reverse the scopolamine-induced reduction of pyramidal cells in the CA1 hippocampus region (Figures 4 and 5).

Photomicrograph showing pyramidal cell layer in CA1 region of the hippocampus in Saline + saline (A), Scopolamine + saline (B), and Scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups (C). The normal pyramidal cells showing a prominent nucleolus, lightly colored cytoplasm, and a well-defined nuclear membrane. The shrunken pyramidal cells with a dark cytoplasm, irregular boundaries, and pyknotic nucleus indicating neurodegeneration. The arrows indicate the normal pyramidal cells, and arrow heads indicate shrunken pyramidal cells. (Cresyl Violet staining, magnification ×400).
Photomicrograph showing pyramidal cell layer in CA1 region of the hippocampus in Saline + saline (A), Scopolamine + saline (B), and Scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups (C). The normal pyramidal cells showing a prominent nucleolus, lightly colored cytoplasm, and a well-defined nuclear membrane. The shrunken pyramidal cells with a dark cytoplasm, irregular boundaries, and pyknotic nucleus indicating neurodegeneration. The arrows indicate the normal pyramidal cells, and arrow heads indicate shrunken pyramidal cells. (Cresyl Violet staining, magnification ×400).
The amount of normal pyramidal cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the saline + saline, Scopolamine + saline, and scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups. N = 10 in each group. Data are shown as means ± SEM. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.
The amount of normal pyramidal cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the saline + saline, Scopolamine + saline, and scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups. N = 10 in each group. Data are shown as means ± SEM. # P < 0.01: Compared to Saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.

4.3. Cell apoptosis Analysis

Cell apoptosis evaluation was conducted by the TUNEL assay. Positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 area were more abundant in the Scop + saline group than in the Saline + saline group (P < 0.05). Amg administration resulted in a decreased number of TUNEL-positive cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in the Scop + Amg group compared to the Scop + saline group (P < 0.05, Figures 6 and 7).

Effect of scopolamine (3 mg/kg) and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) on apoptosis (cell death) in cells of the hippocampal CA1 region. TUNEL-positive cells in: Saline + saline (A), Scopolamine + saline (B), and Scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups (C). Green color indicates positive TUNEL cells in each group. The arrows indicate TUNEL-positive cells. (TUNEL staining, magnification ×200).
Effect of scopolamine (3 mg/kg) and aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) on apoptosis (cell death) in cells of the hippocampal CA1 region. TUNEL-positive cells in: Saline + saline (A), Scopolamine + saline (B), and Scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups (C). Green color indicates positive TUNEL cells in each group. The arrows indicate TUNEL-positive cells. (TUNEL staining, magnification ×200).
Comparison of TUNEL-positive cells (amount of cell death) in rat CA1 cells in the Saline + saline, scopolamine + saline, and scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups. Values are shown as mean ± SEM. Ten animals in each group. # P < 0.05: Compared to saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.
Comparison of TUNEL-positive cells (amount of cell death) in rat CA1 cells in the Saline + saline, scopolamine + saline, and scopolamine + aminoguanidine groups. Values are shown as mean ± SEM. Ten animals in each group. # P < 0.05: Compared to saline + saline group; * P < 0.05: Compared to Scopolamine + saline group.

5. Discussion

In the current study, we evaluated the protective effects of aminoguanidine (Amg) treatment against cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and memory impairment in an animal model of AD. Scop was used to induce dementia in rats. Scop blocked cholinergic signaling, induced oxidative stress in the brain, and increased acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in the hippocampus leading to memory deficit and cognitive impairment (8, 10, 31). Scop induced memory impairment, cell differentiation, and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus (4, 31). This study showed that the injection of 3 mg/kg of Scop for one week led to memory impairment, reduced the number of pyramidal cells, and increased cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region, which indicates neurodegeneration in the hippocampus. The brain requires high oxygen and glucose, and it is susceptible to generating ROS (14). The imbalance between ROS and antioxidants may lead to oxidative stress (8). Oxidative stress has a reported relation with memory impairments and contributes to AD progression (11, 14). Advanced glycation end products participate in the pathological processes of AD, including neurotoxicity and the aggregation of Aβ (26). Advanced glycation end products are a primary source of neurotoxicity in AD, which is affected by Aβ formation via oxidative stress that increases cell apoptosis (34).

Amg is a free radical scavenger that could inhibit AGEs and protect against oxidative injury in the brain (11, 17, 19). Zhang et al. demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of Amg can be attributed to the capability to reduce Aβ level and anti-AGEs activity (22). It has been shown that the interaction of AGEs with receptor for AGEs (RAGE) induces oxidative stress and inflammation in neurons (26). Kong et al. believed that RAGEs are increased in the brains of AD patients (35). Amg is a potent inhibitor of RAGE in the brain. Therefore, it prevents Aβ aggregation and memory impairment (22). Alikhani et al. disclosed that the intraperitoneal injection of Amg decreased oxidative stress indicators such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and thiol in the brain and improved learning and memory impairments (36). Free radical scavenger effects of Amg could consequently decrease the inflammatory response and neuronal death (18). Tabrizian et al. studied the effects of four days intraperitoneal injection of Amg on sodium metavanadate-induced memory impairments. They found that Amg decreased the time and distance of finding the hidden platforms 48 hours after the last training session and decreased escape latency and traveled distance compared to the control group (37). Rodrigues et al. showed Amg administration significantly reduces the glial activation in the brain and prevents cognitive impairment in the streptozotocin (STZ) induced dementia model (38). Amg has many potential effects such as free radical scavenging, oxidative stress inhibition, inflammation suppression, iNOS expression reduction, and neurodegeneration (16-19). Also, Amg prevents the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression involved in chronic inflammatory processes (18). NO has essential roles in inflammation and pathologies like neurodegenerative diseases. In pathological conditions, the overexpression of iNOS produces large amounts of NO, which leads to lipid peroxidation and neuronal apoptosis (39). Amg is an iNOS inhibitor capable of suppressing inflammation and inhibition of Aβ accumulation (17, 20).

5.1. Conclusions

The present findings indicated that Scop administration resulted in memory impairment, reduced pyramidal cells, and increased cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 area. These results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of Amg significantly decreased apoptotic cells in the hippocampal CA1 area and improved memory and spatial learning in the Scop-induced rat model of AD.

Acknowledgements

References

  • 1.

    Liu L, Liu Y, Zhao J, Xing X, Zhang C, Meng H. Neuroprotective effects of d-(-)-quinic acid on aluminum chloride-induced dementia in rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020;2020:5602597. [PubMed ID: 32454864]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC7240662]. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5602597.

  • 2.

    Li X, Bao X, Wang R. Experimental models of alzheimer's disease for deciphering the pathogenesis and therapeutic screening (review). Int J Mol Med. 2016;37(2):271-83. [PubMed ID: 26676932]. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2015.2428.

  • 3.

    Mudo G, Frinchi M, Nuzzo D, Scaduto P, Plescia F, Massenti MF, et al. Anti-inflammatory and cognitive effects of interferon-beta1a (IFNbeta1a) in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation. 2019;16(1):44. [PubMed ID: 30777084]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC6380058]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-019-1417-4.

  • 4.

    Jafarian S, Ling KH, Hassan Z, Perimal-Lewis L, Sulaiman MR, Perimal EK. Effect of zerumbone on scopolamine-induced memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviours in rats. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2019;5:637-43. [PubMed ID: 31687471]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC6819871]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trci.2019.09.009.

  • 5.

    Mahdi O, Baharuldin M, MohdNor N, Chiroma S, Jagadeesan S, MohdMokla M. Chemicals used for the induction of Alzheimer’s disease-like cognitive dysfunctions in rodents. Biomed Res. 2019;6(11):3460-84. https://doi.org/10.15419/bmrat.v6i11.575.

  • 6.

    Singh SK, Srivastav S, Yadav AK, Srikrishna S, Perry G. Overview of alzheimer's disease and some therapeutic approaches targeting abeta by using several synthetic and herbal compounds. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:7361613. [PubMed ID: 27034741]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC4807045]. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7361613.

  • 7.

    Jeong Y, Huh N, Lee J, Yun I, Lee JW, Lee I, et al. Role of the hippocampal CA1 region in incremental value learning. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9870. [PubMed ID: 29959363]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC6026161]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-28176-5.

  • 8.

    Bhatt P, Pandey P, Puri A, Srivastava P, Yadav R. Scopolamine induced behavioral and biochemical modifications and protective effect of celastrus paniculatous and angelica glauca in rats. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol Dis. 2014;4(3). https://doi.org/10.4103/2231-0738.132675.

  • 9.

    Ribeiro DE, Casarotto PC, Spiacci AJ, Fernandes GG, Pinheiro LC, Tanus-Santos JE, et al. Activation of the TRKB receptor mediates the panicolytic-like effect of the NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2019;93:232-9. [PubMed ID: 30991078]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.04.007.

  • 10.

    Shabani S, Mirshekar MA. Diosmin is neuroprotective in a rat model of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;108:1376-83. [PubMed ID: 30372840]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.127.

  • 11.

    Beheshti F, Hashemzehi M, Sabeti N, Hashemi Sadr S, Hosseini M. The effects of aminoguanidine on hippocampal cytokines, amyloid beta, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, memory and oxidative stress status in chronically lipopolysaccharide-treated rats. Cytokine. 2019;113:347-55. [PubMed ID: 30327173]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2018.10.005.

  • 12.

    Wolf OT, Atsak P, de Quervain DJ, Roozendaal B, Wingenfeld K. Stress and memory: A selective review on recent developments in the understanding of stress hormone effects on memory and their clinical relevance. J Neuroendocrinol. 2016;28(8). [PubMed ID: 26708929]. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12353.

  • 13.

    Yeo IJ, Yun J, Son DJ, Han SB, Hong JT. Antifungal drug miconazole ameliorated memory deficits in a mouse model of LPS-induced memory loss through targeting iNOS. Cell Death Dis. 2020;11(8):623. [PubMed ID: 32796824]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC7429861]. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-020-2619-5.

  • 14.

    Teixeira JP, de Castro AA, Soares FV, da Cunha EFF, Ramalho TC. Future therapeutic perspectives into the alzheimer's disease targeting the oxidative stress hypothesis. Molecules. 2019;24(23). [PubMed ID: 31816853]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC6930470]. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24234410.

  • 15.

    Beheshti S, Shahmoradi B. Therapeutic effect of Melissa officinalis in an amyloid-β rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. J HerbMed Pharmacol. 2018;7(3):193-9. https://doi.org/10.15171/jhp.2018.31.

  • 16.

    Beheshti F, Hosseini M, Hashemzehi M, Hadipanah MR, Mahmoudabady M. The cardioprotective effects of aminoguanidine on lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation in rats. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2020;20(5):474-81. [PubMed ID: 32232724]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-020-09570-w.

  • 17.

    Sil S, Ghosh T, Ghosh R, Gupta P. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine reduces intracerebroventricular colchicine induced neurodegeneration, memory impairments and changes of systemic immune responses in rats. J Neuroimmunol. 2017;303:51-61. [PubMed ID: 28065581]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.12.007.

  • 18.

    Diaz A, Rojas K, Espinosa B, Chavez R, Zenteno E, Limon D, et al. Aminoguanidine treatment ameliorates inflammatory responses and memory impairment induced by amyloid-beta 25-35 injection in rats. Neuropeptides. 2014;48(3):153-9. [PubMed ID: 24703968]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.npep.2014.03.002.

  • 19.

    Chen T, Sun XL, Yang XA, Shi JJ, Liu Y, Gong JM. Aminoguanidine exhibits an inhibitory effect on betaamyloidinduced damage in F98 glioma cells. Mol Med Rep. 2017;16(5):6116-21. [PubMed ID: 28901384]. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.7378.

  • 20.

    Chung JW, Oh JU, Lee S, Kim SJ. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cycleooxygenase-2 and lipid peroxidation by methanol extract of pericarpium zanthoxyli. Trop J Pharm Res. 2013;12(3). https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v12i3.15.

  • 21.

    Najafi S, Payandemehr B, Tabrizian K, Shariatpanahi M, Nassireslami E, Azami K, et al. The role of nitric oxide in the PKA inhibitor induced spatial memory deficits in rat: involvement of choline acetyltransferase. Eur J Pharmacol. 2013;714(1-3):478-85. [PubMed ID: 23834774]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.039.

  • 22.

    Zhang D, Wang YG, Liu CY, Wang ZH, Wang YF. Aminoguanidine ameliorates ovariectomy-induced neuronal deficits in rats by inhibiting AGE-mediated Abeta production. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2021;81(1):10-20. [PubMed ID: 33949165]. https://doi.org/10.21307/ane-2021-002.

  • 23.

    Alipour M, Adineh F, Mosatafavi H, Aminabadi A, Monirinasab H, Jafari MR. Effect of chronic intraperitoneal aminoguanidine on memory and expression of Bcl-2 family genes in diabetic rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2016;94(6):669-75. [PubMed ID: 27210113]. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2015-0357.

  • 24.

    Alipour M, Amini B, Adineh F, Feizi H, Jafari MR. Effect of sub-chronic intraperitoneal administration of aminoguanidine on the memory and hippocampal apoptosis-related genes in diabetic rats. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2016;117(8):472-9. [PubMed ID: 27546701]. https://doi.org/10.4149/bll_2016_092.

  • 25.

    Asghari A, Hosseini M, Khordad E, Alipour F, Marefati N, Ebrahimzadeh Bideskan A. Hippocampal apoptosis of the neonates born from TiO2 nanoparticles-exposed rats is mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase. Toxin Reviews. 2019;40(2):162-71. https://doi.org/10.1080/15569543.2019.1570269.

  • 26.

    Lubitz I, Ricny J, Atrakchi-Baranes D, Shemesh C, Kravitz E, Liraz-Zaltsman S, et al. High dietary advanced glycation end products are associated with poorer spatial learning and accelerated Abeta deposition in an Alzheimer mouse model. Aging Cell. 2016;15(2):309-16. [PubMed ID: 26781037]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC4783343]. https://doi.org/10.1111/acel.12436.

  • 27.

    Carnevale D, Mascio G, D'Andrea I, Fardella V, Bell R, Branchi I, et al. Hypertension induces brain β-amyloid accumulation, cognitive impairment, and memory deterioration through activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products in brain vasculature. Hypertension. 2012;60(1):188–197. [PubMed ID: 22615109]. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.195511.

  • 28.

    D’Hooge R, De Deyn PP. Applications of the Morris water maze in the study of learning and memory. Brain Res Rev. 2001;36(1):60-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00067-4.

  • 29.

    Barnhart CD, Yang D, Lein PJ. Using the Morris water maze to assess spatial learning and memory in weanling mice. PLoS One. 2015;10(4). e0124521. [PubMed ID: 25886563]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC4401674]. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124521.

  • 30.

    Paxinos G, Watson C. The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Coordinates. Academic Press; 2007.

  • 31.

    Jahanshahi M, Nickmahzar EG, Babakordi F. Effect of gingko biloba extract on scopolamine-induced apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats. Anat Sci Int. 2013;88(4):217-22. [PubMed ID: 23828103]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12565-013-0188-8.

  • 32.

    Kusindarta DL, Wihadmadyatami H, Haryanto A. The analysis of hippocampus neuronal density (CA1 and CA3) after Ocimum sanctum ethanolic extract treatment on the young adulthood and middle age rat model. Vet World. 2018;11(2):135-40. [PubMed ID: 29657393]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC5891864]. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2018.135-140.

  • 33.

    An L, Zhang T. Vitamins C and E reverse melamine-induced deficits in spatial cognition and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in rats. Neurotoxicology. 2014;44:132-9. [PubMed ID: 24960222]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2014.06.009.

  • 34.

    Ko SY, Ko HA, Chu KH, Shieh TM, Chi TC, Chen HI, et al. The possible mechanism of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) for alzheimer's disease. PLoS One. 2015;10(11). e0143345. [PubMed ID: 26587989]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC4654523]. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143345.

  • 35.

    Kong Y, Liu C, Zhou Y, Qi J, Zhang C, Sun B, et al. Progress of RAGE molecular imaging in alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:227. [PubMed ID: 32848706]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC7417350]. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00227.

  • 36.

    Alikhani V, Beheshti F, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Marefati N, Mansouritorghabeh F, Hosseini M. Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine improved Ki67 as a marker of neurogenesis and learning and memory in juvenile hypothyroid rats. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2020. [PubMed ID: 32479691]. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdn.10042.

  • 37.

    Tabrizian K, Esmaeilei M, Hashemzaei M, Esmaeilzaei A, Fanoudi S, Sanati M, et al. Protective effects of aminoguanidine against sodium metavanadate-induced spatial memory retention impairment in morris water maze. Pharm Sci. 2019;25(2):93-9. https://doi.org/10.15171/ps.2019.15.

  • 38.

    Rodrigues L, Biasibetti R, Swarowsky A, Leite MC, Quincozes-Santos A, Quilfeldt JA, et al. Hippocampal alterations in rats submitted to streptozotocin-induced dementia model are prevented by aminoguanidine. J Alzheimers Dis. 2009;17(1):193-202. [PubMed ID: 19494442]. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2009-1034.

  • 39.

    Jia H, Zhang B, Li H, Liu Y. Effect of aminoguanidine intervention on hippocampal pyramidal cell dendrite morphological change and spinophilin expression of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia. Biomed Res J. 2017;28(13).