Effects of EPP on place orientation and space exploration dysfunctions in mice

Pentobarbital was used to induce the place orientation and space exploration dysfunctions. Morris water maze was used to observe mice´s abilities of place orientation and space exploration. Bradford method was used for the determination of the total protein and spectrometry method was used for the detection of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Extract of Polygala tenuifolia and Poria cocos (EPP) could shorten the escape latency in place orientation test and increase numbers of mice´s crossing the location where the platform had been in the space exploration test. EPP could decrease AChE activities in the brain and the serum of mice with learning and memory disorders induced by pentobarbital. EPP would improve the learning and memory abilities of mice induced by chemical drugs. The results demonstrate that EPP would improve place orientation and space exploration dysfunctions of mice and it; exerts its effects perhaps by inhibiting AChE activity to reduce acetylcholine (ACh) hydrolysis in the brain and the serum in mice.