Publication:

Study of the effect of vildagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor on learning and memory dysfunction of diabetic rats

Background To evaluate whether vildagliptin, DPP-IV inhibitor possess a favorable effect on learning and memory dysfunction in the management of Diabetes mellitus.

Methods Forty Albino rats of either sex weighing 100-180g, were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each. Streptozotocin was used for induction of diabetes in rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups of eight rats in each. Group-1 was taken as control with no further intervention whereas group-2,3,4 were injected 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg,20mg/kg of vildagliptin respectively for a period of 2 months. At the end of first and second month of treatment period, the rats were subjected to Y maze and EPM tests. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance followed by Student’s t test for paired analysis.

Results There was significant decrease in no of arm entries and SAP (p<0.05) in group-1 with induced diabetes. In addition, there was slight increase in no of open arm entries with time spent in open arm for the same group. The decrease in no of arm entries and SAP progressively declined and the no of open arm entries with time spent in open arm progressively increased from group-2 to group 4 till the end of 1st month. After 2nd month there was further decrease in no of arm entries and SAP (p<0.05) for group-1. There was significant increase in all parameters for rest of the groups after 2nd month as compared to 1st month. The findings clearly infer the potency of vildagliptin in treating diabetes induced learning and memory impairment.

Conclusions Vildagliptin significantly reduces the incidence of diabetes induced memory impairment and improves learning if continued further.