Social State Influences Memory in Novel Object Recognition Test Through Oxidative Stress Balance in Male Rats

Abstract

Social isolation is associated with adverse effects on brain functions. According to previous studies, the reduction of oxidative stress improves cognitive functions. Memory performance is dependent on hippocampus and prefrontal function. The aim of this study is to show that impairment of memory in object recognition test in isolation state is accompanied by deregulation of oxidative stress balance in related areas.In this study, 14 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups as follows: social and isolation. Socialization and isolation plus one week of acclimatization occurred for fourteen days. At the end of the study, after performing behavioral test, (novel object recognition test) rats were anesthetized and sacrificed. After preparation of tissues in controlled condition, oxidative stress status in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex for Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione and nitrite/nitrate was assessed.MDA in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was higher in isolated rats compared to social rats. Glutathione and nitrite/nitrate in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were lower in isolated rats compared to social rats. Memory performance in novel object recognition test both in short term and long term was better in social rats.Memory performance in novel object recognition test is influenced by social and oxidative stress status. So improving memory is possible through socialization and improvement of antioxidant status.