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Baicalein attenuates impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and the neurocognitive deficits induced by γ‐ray radiation
Author(s) -
Oh Shin Bi,
Park Hee Ra,
Jang Young Jung,
Choi Seon Young,
Son Tae Gen,
Lee Jaewon
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02142.x
Subject(s) - neurogenesis , baicalein , hippocampal formation , hippocampus , neuroscience , morris water navigation task , oxidative stress , neural stem cell , dentate gyrus , medicine , psychology , pharmacology , chemistry , endocrinology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell
Background and Purpose Whole‐brain irradiation ( WBI ) therapy produces learning and memory deficits in patients with brain tumours. Although the pathological cascade of cognitive deficits remains unknown, it may involve reduced neurogenesis within the hippocampus. Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the roots of H uangqin, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , and has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Here, we have investigated the protective effects of baicalein on irradiation‐induced impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Experimental Approach Radioprotective effects of baicalein were evaluated in C 17.2 neural progenitor cells and 6‐week‐old male C 57 BL /6 mice during hippocampal neurogenesis. Mice were given a single dose of 5 Gy WBI . Changes in hippocampal neurogenesis, oxidative stress and BDNF ‐ pCREB signalling were evaluated. Morris water maze and passive avoidance test were used to assess learning and memory. Key Results Baicalein protected neural progenitor cells against irradiation‐induced necrotic cell death. Pretreatment with baicalein attenuated the irradiation‐induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis by modulating oxidative stress and elevating BDNF ‐ pCREB signalling. Furthermore, baicalein prevented the spatial learning and memory retention deficits follwing WBI . Conclusions and Implications Our findings suggest that baicalein can be viewed as a potential therapeutic agent that protects against the impaired neurogenesis induced by WBI , and its neurocognitive consequences.