RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Berberine and total base from rhizoma coptis chinensis attenuate brain injury in an aluminum-induced rat model of neurodegenerative disease JF Saudi Medical Journal JO Saudi Med J FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City SP 760 OP 766 VO 30 IS 6 A1 Zhang, Jingo A1 Yang, Jun Qing A1 He, Bai Cheng A1 Zhou, Qi Xin A1 Yu, Hua Rong A1 Tang, Yong A1 Liu, Bei Zhong YR 2009 UL http://smj.org.sa/content/30/6/760.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of the total base from rhizoma coptis chinensis (CTB) and berberine (Ber) on neurodegeneration induced by aluminum overload in rats.METHODS: The study took place in the Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, between February 2005 and May 2007. Wistar rats were divided into control group, model group, Ber-treated group, CTB (55 mg/kg and 110 mg/kg)-treated group, and nimodipine-treated group (n=20). A rat brain damage model was established via intragastric administration of 400 mg/kg element aluminum once a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. The CTB, Ber, and nimodipine were intragastrically administered 4 hours after each aluminum administration for 12 weeks. The morphological changes of the neurons of the rat hippocampus and the changes of rat learning and memory functions were observed. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as the MAO-B expression in the rat brain were examined.RESULTS: The CTB, Ber, and nimodipine significantly improved the learning and memory ability impairment and hippocampal neuronal death. The CTB, Ber, and nimodipine also significantly blunted the decrease of SOD and ChAT activities, and the increase of MDA content, AchE activities, and MAO-B expressions and activity in the aluminum-overload rats.CONCLUSION: The CTB and Ber have protective effects on neurodegeneration induced by aluminum overload. The CTB (110 mg/kg) has more powerful neuroprotection than Ber. The CTB and Ber have protective effects on neurodegeneration induced by aluminum overload. The CTB (110 mg/kg) has more powerful neuroprotection than Ber.