Publication:

Evaluation of learning and memory effect of atorvastatin and simvastatin in alprazolam induced amnesia in mice

Background The study was undertaken to evaluate the learning and memory effect of lipid lowering drugs atorvastatin and simvastatin in alprazolam induced amnesic mice.

Methods The study was carried out on albino mice, divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each (either sex, 3-4 months of age, weight 25-30g). Amnesia was induced by administering Alprazolam (2mg/kg for 14 days) in all 4 groups from 1st to 14th day. In addition, group 2, 3 and 4 received Piracetam (400mg/kg), Atorvastatin (5mg/kg) and Simvastatin (5mg/kg) from 8th to 14th day respectively. The learning and memory of the animals was assessed by employing Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Step-down type passive avoidance (SDA) model.

Results Results were compared among the different groups using one way-ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test. The measured parameters were compared with standard drug Piracetam. In EPM model Atorvastatin (p<0.049) and Simvastatin (p<0.007) were comparable with standard drug Piracetam, whereas in SDA model only simvastatin group (p<0.001) showed significant result.

Conclusions In EPM model, both the statins showed significant improvement in learning and memory in alprazolam induced amnesic mice. However further studies are required to support these observations.