The effect of alpha lipoic acid on passive avoidance and social interaction memory, pain perception, and locomotor activity in REM sleep-deprived rats

Pharmacol Rep. 2021 Feb;73(1):102-110. doi: 10.1007/s43440-020-00161-8. Epub 2020 Sep 30.

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows the vital role of sleep in the modulation of cognitive functions. Sleep deprivation (SD) can disrupt learning and memory processes. SD also affects pain perception and locomotor activity. Furthermore, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) may induce antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. ALA affects memory processes, pain subthreshold, and locomotor activity. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of REM (rapid-eye movement) SD and ALA on social and passive avoidance memory, locomotor activity, and pain perception.

Methods: Multiple-platform apparatus was used to induce REM SD for 24 h. Three-chamber paradigm test, the shuttle box, locomotion apparatus, and hot plate were used to assess social interaction memory, passive avoidance memory, locomotor activity, and pain perception, respectively. ALA was injected intraperitoneally at the doses of 35 and 70 mg/kg.

Results: 24 h REM SD impaired both types of memory. In addition, ALA (35 mg/kg) reversed REM SD-induced memory impairments. However, ALA (70 mg/kg) impaired social memory with no effect on REM SD-induced memory impairments. ALA (70 mg/kg) also decreased pain subthreshold in REM SD rats.

Conclusion: REM SD impairs social interaction and passive avoidance memory. Furthermore, ALA may exhibit a dose-dependent manner in some cognitive tasks. ALA can induce a therapeutic effect at one dose, and an impairment effect at another dose (lower or higher), while the cognitive task and the conditions are equal.

Keywords: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA); Locomotor activity; Pain; Passive avoidance memory; Rat; Social interaction memory.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Pain Perception / drug effects*
  • Pain Threshold / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Sleep Deprivation / psychology*
  • Sleep, REM
  • Social Interaction*
  • Thioctic Acid / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Thioctic Acid