4-Hydroxybenzyl methyl ether improves learning and memory in mice via the activation of dopamine D1 receptor signaling

Hyung Eun Lee, Young Woo Lee, Se Jin Park, Se Jin Jeon, Eunji Kim, Sunhee Lee, Ah Reum Han, Eun Kyoung Seo, Jong Hoon Ryu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The phenolic compound 4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether (HBME) is isolated from Gastrodia elata Blume (Orchidaceae). In the present study, we investigated the effect of HBME on three stages of memory (acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval) using the step-through passive avoidance task. HBME was administered at 3 time points; 1. h before the acquisition trial, immediately after the acquisition trial, and 1. h before the retention trial, respectively. HBME (10. mg/kg, p.o.) markedly increased the step-through latency compared with the vehicle-treated control at all stages of memory. To clarify the mechanism of the memory-enhancing effect of HBME, an antagonism study and Western blot analysis were performed. The enhancing effects of HBME on each phase were reversed by the sub-effective dose of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 (0.0125. mg/kg, s.c.), or the protein kinase A (PKA) antagonist H-89 (0.25. mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, the administration of HBME (10. mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased the phosphorylation of the cortical and hippocampal PKA/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and was reversed by the co-administration of SCH23390. HBME (10. mg/kg, p.o.) also ameliorated the memory impairment induced by SCH23390 or scopolamine. Taken together, these results suggest that the effect of HBME on cognitive functions may be partly involved in dopaminergic neurotransmitter signaling and that HBME could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating the cognitive dysfunction induced by dopaminergic or cholinergic neurotransmitter system deficits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)30-38
Number of pages9
JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory
Volume121
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was supported by grants ( 09112KFDA890 ) in 2011 and (12172MFDS989) in 2013 from Ministry of Food and Drug Safety .

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords

  • 4-Hydroxybenzyl methyl ether
  • Acquisition
  • Consolidation
  • Dementia
  • Memory phase
  • Retrieval

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