Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effects of vinpocetine on the cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine in mice and underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Vinpocetine(3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, 6 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) were orally administered after intraperitoneal injection with scopolamine (0.8 mg/kg). Cognitive function was evaluated by passive avoidance test and Morris water maze test after 10-day administration. Changes in cholinergic system reactivity were also examined by measuring the acetylcholine (Ach) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in the hippocampus and cortex.RESULTS:Treatment with vinpocetine(3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, 6 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) significantly decreased the escape latency in hidden platform test, increased the time spent in the platform quadrant in the spatial probe test, and decreased the times of errors in the passive avoidance test. Vinpocetine also significantly increased Ach level and decreased AchE activity in the hippocampus and cortex. CONCLUSION: Vinpocetine may improve scopolamine-induced memory impairment through elevation of brain Ach levels resulting from inhibition of AchE activity in mice.

Key words: vinpocetine, scopolamine, memoy impairment, acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase