Influence of long-term administration of rutin on spatial memory as well as the concentration of brain neurotransmitters in aged rats.

BACKGROUND The present study was designed to investigate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of long-term oral rutin administration to old male WAG rats (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w./day). Rutin is a well-known dietary flavonol glycoside with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS First, spatial memory was assessed in the water maze and then the levels of neurotransmitters in selected brain regions were estimated. RESULTS There was enhanced spatial memory in aged rats pretreated with the smaller dose of rutin in the probe trial of the water maze, nevertheless, augmented levels of noradrenaline in the hippocampi of these animals were not correlated with improved spatial memory. The increased dopamine levels in the hypothalami of the same group of animals may suggest effects other than behavioral. CONCLUSION Long-term rutin pre-treatment may cause behavioral and neurochemical changes in aged WAG male rats.