Effect of rosuvastatin on spatial learning, memory, and anxiety-like behaviour in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

The effect of rosuvastatin (Ros) on cognitive function and anxiety-like behaviour in ovariectomized rats were evaluated. Eighteen female Wistar rats (218–310 g, 6–8 months old) were allocated into sham (n = 6), ovariectomy (Ovx, n = 6) or Ovx + Ros (up to eighth week n = 6, then n = 4) groups. Ros was administered at 20 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 12 weeks. Behavioural tests were performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks following Ovx. At 12 weeks, Ovx group had significantly longer escape latency than the sham group at the first day of the four-day training period of the Morris Water Maze test (p < .01). In the Elevated Plus Maze test, Ovx group spent significantly more time in the closed arms than the sham group (p < .01), and this anxiety-like behavioural effect of Ovx was prevented by 12-weeks Ros treatment (p < .05). In conclusion, Ros prevents memory deficit and anxiety-like behaviour in the ovariectomized rats, a model for human surgical menopause.

Impact Statement

• What is already known on this subject? Reduced levels of oestrogen in surgical postmenopausal period has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. Although statins have been shown to improve cognitive function in experimental and clinical studies, there are limited studies evaluating the effect of statins on the cognitive decline and anxiety-like behaviour associated with surgical menopause.

• What do the results of this study add? Rosuvastatin, a long-acting statin, prevents learning and memory deficit and anxiety-like behaviour in the ovariectomized rat model.

• What are the implications of these findings for future clinical practice and/or future clinical research? These findings will form the basis for further experimental and clinical research on the effects of statins on cognitive functions and anxiety-like behaviour in the surgical menopause.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• cognition
• surgical menopause
• ovariectomy
• rats
• rosuvastatin

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Adem Kurtçuoğlu, our laboratory technician, for his dedicated work during the behavioural experiments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Baskent University Research Fund [project no: DA 19/20].