Effect of Vitamin D3 on Improvement of Learning and Spatial Memory Following Demyelination induction in hippocampal CA1 Area of rat

Introduction: Consumption of vitamin D3 is effective to reduce intensity of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Neurons of the central nervous system are constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species and these factors play a key role in the destruction of myelin and damage of axons. The hippocampus is a vital center for learning and memory in central nervous system. This area is extremely vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases and oxidative damage. In the present study the effects of vitamin D3 on learning, spatial memory and lipid peroxidation following demyelination of rat hippocampal CA1 neurons was investigated. Methods: For demyelination induction, 2μl lysolecithin was injected into the CA1 area of rat brain using stereotaxic surgery. After induction of demyelination, animals received 5 μg/kg vitamin D3 for 7 days. The learning and spatial memory of rats were investigated by radial maze. The extent of demyelination in hippocampus was studied using myelin specific Luxol fast blue staining. On day 7, lipid peroxidation was evaluated by Esterbauer and cheeseman