Magnesium oxide nanoparticle effects on the central nervous system biochemical parameters and memory deficit induced by a sleep-deprivation

Objective(s): Magnesium plays an important role in the correct functioning of the nervous system and it is hardly able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) can affect memory in animal models.  The current study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of action and efficacy of MgO NP in comparison to conventional magnesium oxide (C MgO) in learning and memory at the sleep-deprived model of rats.Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (۲۰۰±۲۰ gr) were divided into control, MgO NP and C MgO (۱, ۵, and ۱۰ mg/kg) groups. Short-term and long-term memories were evaluated by the passive avoidance test. The Columns-in-water method was used to induce sleep deprivation (SD) for ۷۲ h in all groups. Oxidative stress markers including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, Malone di-aldehyde, total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase, and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were assessed in the hippocampus of all animals. Also, brain and hippocampus magnesium levels were evaluated in all groups. Results: MgO NP (۵ and ۱۰ mg/kg) significantly improved short and long-term memory impairment-induced by SD (P<۰.۰۵). Hippocampus magnesium levels increased in all groups treated by MgO NP. There were no significant changes in the hippocampal oxidant and anti-oxidant factors level and BDNF in MgO NP and C MgO treated groups. Conclusion: Probably MgO NP could entrance the brain and the gathering of magnesium ions in the hippocampus enhanced memory. So that memory improvement can be related to the increasing magnesium level in the hippocampus that this needs more research. 

Keywords:

Memory , Nanoparticle , Rat , Sleep deprivation