Rigobert-Espoir Ayissi Mbomo, Mefo Foka Gloria, Samuel Boris Tene Tadoum, Elisabeth Sylvie Ngoa Manga, Elisabeth Ngo Bum, Alfred Kongnyu Njamnshi

Depression and anxiety are among the most common of the central nervous system disorders in psychiatry. They are the predominant symptoms during withdrawal from several psychoactive substances and are also considered as important relapse factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychotropic effects of withdrawal from a well-known artisanal spirit in Cameroon ("Odontol") in mice. Thus during 15 days, male white mice Mus musculus Swiss weighting between 18 to 29 g were exposed to "Odontol"). Subsequently, they were suddenly withdrawn from this beverage and depression-like behaviors in the paradigms of forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST) and anxiety-like behaviors in the paradigm of the light/dark test (L/D) were evaluated. The tests were performed at different days after a withdrawal over a 24 days period. The more marked results at day 8 after the withdrawal from "Odontol" showed a significant (p< 0.001) decrease of the time of immobility’s occurrence in the FST (61%); a significant (p< 0.01) decrease of immobility’s occurrence (37%) as well as total immobility time in the TST (38%) compared to mice of the control group treated by tap water. In the L/D test, results showed that withdrawal from "Odontol" induced a significant (p< 0.001) decrease of the first latency of mice in the test group to leave the light compartment for the dark compartment. A significant decrease (p< 0.001) of the time spent in the light compartment of the L/D box was observed during withdrawal (57%). "Odontol" withdrawal significantly (p< 0.001) increased about 71% the time spent in the dark compartment of the L/D test when compared to control group mice. At day 24, these "Odontol" withdrawal’s induced effects seems to be reversed with the values of 73.2 ± 5.5 s and 101 ± 5.03 s respectively for the immobility delay and the total immobility time in FST; 34.2 ± 9 s and 123.8 ± 8 s respectively for the immobility delay and the total immobility time in the TST; 10 ± 4.2 s, 63.6 ± 11.4 s, and 171.6 ± 23 s for the latency, the time spent in the illuminated compartment and in the dark compartment respectively. As previously stated by Steru and Porsolt, by decreasing the occurrence of immobility while increasing the total immobility time in the FST and TST, or by decreasing the time spent in the light compartment of the L/D box as presented by Crawley withdrawal after long term exposure to "Odontol" induces a high depression and anxiety-like behaviors in mice for several days, and these effects seems to decrease 24 days after the withdrawal.

Mai M. Anwar, Ola S. M. Ali, Laila Ahmed R., Badawi A. M., Nadia A. Eltablawy

The severity of neurons loss with specific targeted protein dysfunction deposited and localized within brain tissues, are the main drawbacks of the unbalanced disturbances in the whole physiological and immunological body system accompanying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study is aimed to demonstrate the role played by microglia and numerous inflammatory signalling pathways involved in AD pathogenesis in addition to investigating the potential therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) not only when given individually in a unique method of administration but also when taken in a combination with exogenous hydrogen sulphide donor (NaHS), Kefir and Gingko Biloba (GB) that all do play a vital different role as a neuroprotective therapy. Materials and Methods: rats were divided into nine equal groups: (Group 1) negative control; (Group 2) rats were directly injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (Group 3) AD rats received NaHS; (Group 4) AD rats received MSCs intracerebrally; (Group 5) AD rats received MSCs with NaHS; (Group 6) AD rats received kefir with GB; (Group 7): AD rats received MSCs followed by kefir with GB; (Group 8) AD rats received NaHS followed by kefir with GB; (Group 9) AD rats received MSCs with NaHS followed by kefir with GB. Results: Among the inflammatory drawbacks of AD induction by LPS, overexpression of miRNA-124, NF-κB and TNF-α was recorded accompanied with a reciprocal cross-regulatory effect on β-Catenin level resulting in its suppression. The combination of NaHS, kefir and GB with MSCs can function as a potent immune-modulator preventing the underlying pathological successive brain damage cascade in addition to protecting rats against LPS induced AD toxic aggregation therefore our proposed therapeutic strategy may be used as a subject of clinical interest.

Muhammad H. D., Dawud F. A., Yau J., Abdulrauf R. A.

Pennisetum glaucum has been pharmacologically studied for various activities like antidiabetic, anti-microbial and anti-tumor activities. The present study was aimed at investigating the anti-convulsant effect of Pennisetum glaucum supplement in some laboratory animals. Quantitative phytochemical test was carried on Pennisetum glaucum using standard laboratory techniques. In PTZ-induced seizures in mice, 20 swill albino mice were group into 4 negative control which received normal saline, 25% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group, 50% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group and diazepam (2 mg/kg) treated group. All the 4 groups received their respective interventions for 14 day. Thirty minutes after the 14^th administration freshly prepared PTZ (85 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to all the mice and observed for seizure onset, seizure duration, percentage seizure protection and percentage mortality protection for 30 minute post PTZ injection. Induction of PTZ kindling seizures in wistar rats involves the grouping of 20 rats into 4 (normal saline, 25% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group, 50% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group and 200 mg/kg valporic treated group) with each group receiving PTZ (35 mg/kg) on every alternate day for 30 days. Thirty minutes after each PTZ injection rats were observed for the presence/absence of seizures and seizure severity which were evaluated using Racine scale. In Maximal electroshock study, 20 chicks were equally grouped into 4: negative control, 25% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group, 50% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental group and phenytoin (20 mg/kg) treated group. Maximal electroshock seizures in chicks was induced. Seizure duration, recovery from seizure, seizure protection and mortality protection were the parameters recorded. The results of the study showed a high presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phytate with the least of alkaloids. Also, protein, Magnesium and Phosphorus were revealed. Pennisetum glaucum at 50% supplement offered 40% protection from death and significantly (p≤0.05) decrease the duration of seizure (41.20 ± 3.34vs 137.00 ± 13.13 seconds) whereas diazepam a standard anticonvulsant proved more effective in delaying seizure onset (182.00 ± 10.00vs 72.80 ± 1.32 seconds), offering 60% protection from death and decreasing seizure duration (72.20±19.98vs 137.00 ± 13.13 seconds) in mice. The supplement was able to suppress the progression of seizure to most severe stages 4.4 reached by the control by retarding seizure severity to only stage 3.8 and 2.5 at 25% and 50% Pennisetum glaucum supplemental groups respectively in wistar rats. The supplement also, offered 40% vs 20% protection from seizure when compared to the control. However, phenytoin a standard anticonvulsant offered 100% seizure protection in chicks.

Mahmud Arif Pavel

Memory, the information stored in living beings, is essential for any perception and action. It subserves many other functions that life would be impossible without it. However, the physical properties of memory at the molecular level is poorly understood. Here, the coding of memory has been delineated through the cell membrane and its associated molecules. Memories are described as ion movements (electricity, ion conductivity) through the microscopic changes of cellular components.

Suleiman Joseph Bagi, Eze Ejike Daniel, Karimah Mohammed Rabiu, Iliya Ezekiel, Sheu Oluwadare Sulaiman

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most common emotional diseases and consequently, the development of a suitable and lasting therapy is of important public health interest. This study evaluated the effect of oral administration of some selected sweeteners on anxiety in Wistar rats. Thirty-two (32) albino male Wistar rats were used. The rats were divided into eight (8) groups (GP1-8) of four rats each. GP1 rats served as control and were given water, GP2 rats were administered 0.05mg/kg b w of Diazepam, GP3 and GP4 rats received 100 and 200mg/kg b w of sucrose respectively, GP5 and GP6 rats received 100 and 200 mg/kg b w of saccharin respectively while GP7 and GP8 rats respectively received 100 and 200 mg/kg b w of honey. The Open Field Apparatus was used to obtain some parameters such as: Line Square Frequency, Center Square Frequency, Centre Square Duration, Stretch Attend Posture, Rearing, Grooming, Urination, Defecation and Freezing, by allowing the animal in the Open Field Apparatus for about five minutes. The result obtained showed that rats treated with 200mg/kg b w of honey (53.00±43.07) showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in grooming when compared to negative control (31.00±6.00). In freezing, groups treated with 200 mg/kg b w of sucrose (29.75±7.13) and 100mg/kg b w of sucrose were statistically significant (p<0.05) (29.50±11.38) when compared with the negative control (20.00±2.09). It can be concluded that sucrose, saccharin and honey produced no significant harmful effects on the psychological and physiological disorders in the animals. However, sucrose, saccharin and honey administration, especially at a higher doses did produced an effect on anxiety as shown by few anxiety parameters tested.

Samir Mohammed Mounir, Mohamed Farouk Afify, Hashem Faris Mohammed, Mostafa Ahmed Elsayed, Asmaa Nabil

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disease causing both maternal and fetal morbidity principally neurological tragedies. It may be associated with changes in concentrations of blood elements. We aim to assess neurometals; Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in serum of 25 neonates of preeclamptic mothers and their mothers representing group (I) with comparison to 20 apparent healthy neonates and their healthy mothers representing group (II). Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups: a (Full Term) and b (Preterm). Results revealed that: Group (I) neonates had significantly (P < 0.01) lower Cu concentration than control (100.1 vs. 126.1 mg/dl) while, insignificant differences were observed between groups in serum Se, Zn and Fe concentrations. Higher levels of Zn, Cu and Fe were observed in full term neonates of preeclamptic mothers compared to preterm neonates of the same preeclamptic mothers. There was negative correlation between mean serum level of Se in preeclamptic mothers and weight of their neonates and also level of Cu of them was positively correlated with weight of their neonates. Positive correlation was found between mean serum level of Cu in preeclamptic mothers and that of their neonates. In conclusion, the studied neurometals may have influence on the health of pregnant women and fetus and their disturbance may contribute to pathogenesis of neurological complications in both mothers and fetuses. Screening status of these elements during pregnancy might be of value for correction of deficiencies with rationalized use to avoid dangerous excess with its neurological sequence.

Maria P. Rysakova, Irina V. Pavlova, Nadezhda D. Broshevitskaya

In the present study, the effects of intra-amygdala injection of an agonist (8-OH-DPAT, 0.3 µg/0.5 µL) and an antagonist (WAY-100635, 0.2 µg/0.5 µL) of 5-HT1A receptors on the behavior of high- (HA) and low-anxiety (LA) rats were compared. Administration of 8-OH-DPAT caused anxiolytic- and panicolytic-like effects only in LA rats; it increased the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and latency to leave the open arm of elevated T-maze (ETM). Administration of WAY-100635 caused anxiogenic effect in HA rats; it decreased the percent of open arms entries and increased the latency to the first enter an open arm in EPM. In LA rats, injection of the antagonist caused weak anxiogenic effect in the EPM and increased the locomotor activity. These results suggest that LA rats were more susceptible to activation of 5-НТ1А receptors in basolateral amygdala than HA animals. It is presumed that the functional activity of 5-НТ1А receptors in amygdala of low-anxiety animals is higher.

Aquaisua N. Aquaisua, Innocent A. Edagha

Different parts of Gongronema latifolium (Gl) has been reportedly used in herbal medicine for the treatment of various health conditions; diabetes, malaria, and hypertension and possess antioxidant properties. Varying doses of Gl ethanolic leaf extract was investigated on haematological indices, and possible histomorphological changes in hippocampal CA1 region. Twenty albino Wistar rats was randomized into four groups of five rats each; group 1 (control), groups 2, 3 and 4 received (100, 200 and 300 mg of Gl per kilogram body weight of the rats). Administration of the extract was for 14 days via orogavage, after which rats were fasted overnight and humanely sacrificed under chloroform inhalation in a dessicator. Results for haematological indices reveals that the white blood cell counts was significantly (p<0.05) increased in test group at a dose dependent concentration compared to the control. Histologically, the hippocampal brain sections showed very mild hydropic vacuolations at the 300 mg dose concentration of the extract with mild to moderate neuronal swellings. Neurotoxicity marker for astrogliosis via glial fibrillary acidic protein expression indicated that it was down regulated in the test groups compared to control. In conclusion, ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium does not have deleterious effect on haematological induces although the white blood cell count was significantly raised as a result of normal physiologic response, but caused mild to modreate swelling of hippocampal neurons, with no attendant increase in GFAP expression in albino Wistar rats.

Koofreh G. Davies, Innocent A. Edagha

Despite the widespread use of Artemisinin combination therapies in the treatment of malaria, there is no available study on the effect of these anti-malarials on neurobehaviour. This study was therefore designed to investigate effects ACTs on anxiety T-Maze and cognition. Twenty five female albino mice weighing 20-26 g were used for this study. Animals were acclimatized and randomly selected into five groups. Light and Dark Box was used to test for anxiety while cognition was tested for with T-maze. Result showed no derangement in any of the neurobehavioural parameters tested for. This result indicates that malaria infection may not affect anxiety and cognition in subjects who currently on prophylactic ACTs. Also, Dihydroartemisinin/Piperaquine, Artemether/Lumefantrine and Artesunate/Amodiaquine did not affect cognition and anxiety at clinical dosage.

Joshua McGeown, Paolo Sanzo, Carlos Zerpa, Simon Lees, Sarah Niccoli

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effect of a four week exercise program on physiological, cognitive, and balance variables and salivary brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in a sample of healthy, physically active individuals. Subjects: Ten healthy participants (3 females, 7 males; age M=22.9 years; SD=2.28; height M=171.20 cm; SD=6.91; and body mass M=74.94 kg; SD=12.29) were included. Methods: Subjects completed two assessments (pre- and post-exercise program) and 12 supervised exercise sessions over the course of four weeks (3 sessions/week). The pre- and post-exercise program assessments included the collection of a saliva sample to measure salivary BDNF concentrations followed by anthropometric measures, resting heart rate, and blood pressure; the administration of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) battery to measure neurocognitive function; and finally the completion of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) protocol to measure balance variables including the number of errors, displacement in the centre of pressure (COP), average velocity of COP, and area of COP. The exercise sessions consisted of a warm-up, followed by 20-35 minutes of aerobic activity, and concluding with three trials of static balance exercises. The intensity and difficulty of the aerobic and balance exercises were progressed using pre-determined parameters and progressions over the course of the four weeks. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Paired Sample t-Tests. The rejection criteria were set at an alpha level p < .05. Results: Statistically significant changes in reaction time (t(9)=-2.472, p=.035); BDNF concentrations (t(9)=-1.809, p=.05); average velocity of COP (t(9)=4.69, p=.001) and area of COP (t(9)=4.47, p=.002) in double stance on a foam surface; average velocity of COP (t(9)=3.09, p=.01) and area of COP (t(9)=2.28, p=.04) in single leg stance on a firm surface; average velocity of COP (t(9)=2.65, p=.03) and area of COP (t(9)=3.00, p=.015) in single leg stance on a foam surface; and average velocity of COP (t(9)=2.36, p=.04) and area of COP (t(9)=2.49, p=.04) in tandem stance on a firm surface during the BESS protocol were found. No changes in heart rate, blood pressure, memory, or visual motor speed were observed. No significant changes were seen for the BESS protocol during double stance on a firm surface or tandem stance on foam. Conclusions: The findings of the current pilot study revealed that a supervised four week aerobic and balance exercise program administered to a sample of healthy, physically active individuals resulted in improvements in salivary BDNF concentrations, static balance, average velocity, and area of COP measures. This supervised program requires further investigation into the implementation in a concussed or neurologically impaired population to see if similar benefits are evident in cognitive and balance variables, or BDNF concentration levels.