Biologists have found a way to improve working and spatial memory in mice using medium-chain fatty acids. This was reported by the press service of the RNF.
Medical problems with thinking and perception seriously affect life, and as the disease progresses, a person often has to hire a nurse. In particular, such diseases occur when there is a violation of glucose metabolism in the brain. Glucose is the main source of energy for many biological processes, and the energy starvation of brain cells immediately affects thinking. Glucose can be partially replaced by ketone bodies formed during the oxidation of fats. The number of ketone bodies can be increased by taking medium chain fatty acids such as MCT oil.
Experts from the Institute of Experimental Medicine and colleagues from other universities decided to practice to find out how MCT oils affect cognitive function and whether there are any side effects. To do this, they conducted an experiment on laboratory rats. The 2.5-3.5 month old animals were divided into three groups: they were given low, medium and high doses of MCT (1, 3 and 6 grams per kilogram of body weight, respectively).
Next, the researchers conducted a series of experiments to determine the cognitive effects. For example, a Y-shaped maze with three identical “cases” was used to assess the working memory of mice – animals explore the maze by visiting their “cases” in turn, out of curiosity. With the help of a similar test, the scientists estimated the rate of spontaneous changes when an animal entered three different “sheaths” without returning to the arm it had just visited. This indicator shows how well the rat remembers where it was last. Researchers found that only low and moderate doses resulted in improved working memory.
To test spatial memory, the organizers lowered the mouse into a round pool of 150 centimeters in diameter. The animal needed to find a platform 2 centimeters below the water level. Finding the platform, the mouse climbed onto it and waited for 30 seconds to be caged. The experiment was carried out several times and the platform was always in the same place according to the visual cues. Therefore, the longer the rodent stays on the platform, the higher the spatial memory indicators. It turns out that only high doses of STC can cure them.
In mice receiving high doses of the substance, the relative mass of the liver increased by an average of more than 10% and there was a shift towards brown in the ratio of brown (thermogenic) and white (storage) fat. compared with control values. Potentially, these changes could be harmful to health, which needs further investigation.
The authors hope that in the future their discovery will allow for better treatment of cognitive impairment in humans.
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