The effects of captopril on learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine in rats: antioxidative effects

Introduction: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are suggested to have some beneficial effects on the brain. In the present study the protective effects against brain tissues oxidative damage as possible mechanism for learning and memory improving effects of captopril was investigated in scopolamine treated rats. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and treated: saline as a control group, Sco (scopolamine) and Sco-Capto10, 50 and 100 (captopril 10, 50 and 100mg/kg before scopolamine). Treatment was passive avoidance test and then the cortical tissues were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, thiol, super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Results: Scopolamine decreased the latency to enter the dark in passive avoidance test compared to control group. It also increased MDA and NO metabolites while decreased thiol, SOD and CAT in comparison with control group. Captopril increased the latency to enter the dark. It also decreased MDA and NO metabolites while, increased thiol, SOD and CAT. Conclusion: Captopril protected brain tissues oxidative damage and improved learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine.