The effect of sodium salicylate injection on spatial learning and memory of rat

Background: Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme known as a regulatory factor in synaptic plasticity. It has been reported that synaptic plasticity is one of the mechanisms involved in learning and memory processes. In the current study peripheral injection's effects of sodium salicylate (as a non selective COX inhibitor) on spatial learning and memory have been investigated.

Methods: Four groups of male rats received different doses of sodium salicylate (0, 200, 300, 400 mg/kg; i.p.). Studies were performed using Morris Water Maze (MWM). Spatial learning and memory parameters were subjected to the one- and two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results: Data showed that intraperitoneal injection of sodium salicylate had not significant effect on spatial learning parameters (including escape latency and traveled distance to hidden platform in training days); but administration of high dose of the drug (400 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of time that animals spent in the target quadrant in probe trial testing.

Conclusion: Peripheral injection of the COX inhibitor has no significant effect on spatial learning; but potentiates spatial memory consolidation using MWM.