Effect of Amyloid β-Peptide on Passive Avoidance Learning in Rats: A Behavioral Study

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that leads to neurotoxicity. Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Objectives: Given the contradictory results of Aβ (25-35) on the memory, in the present study we have examined the effect of Aβ induced memory impairment. Materials and Methods: Wistar male rats received an intrahippocampal (IHP) injection of Aβ (25-35).The learning function in the rats was examined by the passive avoidance task. Results: The results showed that Aβ (25-35) significantly impaired both step-through latency and time in dark compartment in the passive avoidance task. Conclusions: These data suggest that single bilateral microinjection of Aβ (25-35) could impair memory and can be used as an AD model in Wistar rats.